Ask Good Questions
Introduction
A good question is the primary thinking tool. A good question is the key that unlocks the potential in our minds and forms the basis for the entire Menta-Morphosis® system.
Most of us are comfortable and somewhat adept at asking questions of other people. However, one of the greatest applications of a good question is to ask it of ourselves. When we ask a question of someone else, they think of the answer. When we ask ourselves of ourselves, we think of the answer. That sounds so simple, but it is profound. A good question defines the type of thinking we do, directs our thinking down specific channels, puts the borders around the thinking process, and focuses it in a specific direction.
The simplest definition of good thinking is this:
Ask the right questions, in the right sequence, and write down the answers.
Used for
The right questions are the beginning of every competency, every direction and ever magnifier.
* A good question directs our thinking. We use it to discover what we think and know. We have a lifetime of memories, thoughts, images, and ideas tucked away in the filing cabinets in our minds. To release them and make them useful, we need the right question.
In one sense, our minds are like rooms full of filing cabinets, each stuffed with knowledge and understanding we have gained throughout our lives. But those file cabinets remain closed and the information unused, until we ask the right question to turn that information into usable concepts.
* A good question directs other people’s thinking. It is the chief tool to unearth information from other people.
* A good question leads us to uncover pertinent information in the world around us.
The world around us is full of knowledge that we don’t access until we ask the right question. For the most part, the answers pre-exist, and we don’t uncover them until we ask the right question. For example, think of a group of scientists researching plants in the Amazon to find some medically useful components — maybe the cure for cancer. When they find it, it will be because they asked the right question of something that existed in the world. The compound was always there, for centuries, but it was not recognized because no one asked the right question. It will take a scientist, looking at a specific plant, and asking, “Does this plant contains any medically useful compounds?” The question unlocked that which was already in existence in the world.
* A good question stimulates our creativity, as in a brainstorming session.
* A good question unleashes our critical thinking, as in prioritizing.
How to:
- Start with your purpose. What do you want the question to do?
Good questions can be designed to accomplish a multitude of different purposes. Some questions are designed to collect information, others to prompt someone to think. The more precisely you can describe the purpose, the more likely your question will be effective.
For example, do you want it to uncover some information? Do you want it to uncover relationships? Do you want it to establish priorities? Do you want it to consolidate nuggets?
- Compose the question.
Brainstorm some possibilities. Create some questions and write them down, word-for-word. Remember, the words are important. Don’t short cut the process by summarizing – “I’ll ask about this…” That leaves the creation of the exact words for the heat of the moment, and that is dangerous. Write your questions down, word for word, as you think of them. This is one of the crucial steps in the process. It’s here where you fold together all the elements of the situation and push them through the press of your objectives.
As alternative, you may want to use any of the hundreds of questions we’ve created and inserted in the Menta-Morphosis book. Once again, it is important to write the questions down so that you can move onto the next step.
- Edit the questions. Take an objective look at each question, paying particular attention to the language. Sharpen and refine each question until you are confident it does what you want it to.
Review the language in the question to make sure it does what you want it to do. For example, should you ask about ‘problems” or “challenges?” “Problems” has a negative connotation, and many people may hesitate to share an honest answer. “Challenges” is more neutral and more likely to prompt a candid response.
- If there are multiple questions, order them in the best sequence.
Which should come first, then next, etc.?
