Wonder About Beautiful Questions

When you're stuck with a problem, the usual go-to is finding a solution, right? Well, that makes sense, but what if sticking to what you already know isn't the smartest move? Often, we try fixes from our past successes or rely on existing information. But what if you're dealing with a completely new problem that needs a fresh solution, one that no one has thought of before?
The key isn't just in finding answers; it's in asking the right questions. Take a cue from brilliant minds like Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs. Breakthrough ideas don't come from reviewing what you already know. They stem from posing "beautiful questions." The cool gadgets, awesome services, and your favorite movies today, like online shopping and Pixar creations, all started with someone questioning the status quo. As tech reporter David Pogue puts it, the real magic happens "when someone looks at the way things have always been done and asks why."

Three Types of Questions that Spark Innovation

Interviews with over 100 creative minds in science, business, tech, and entertainment reveal that successful questioners use three key types of queries:

1. "Why Questions": When amputee Van Phillips faced the awkward prosthetics of the 1970s, he asked, "If they can put a man on the moon, why can't they make a decent foot?" Why questions, like these, have inspired breakthroughs such as the Polaroid camera and Netflix. The magic happens when you refuse to accept things as they are and open the door to fresh solutions.
2. "What-If Questions": Phillips didn't stop at "why." He dreamt up solutions by asking "what-if" questions. What if a foot could work like a diving board? What if it could mimic a cheetah's paw? What-if questions let you explore possibilities without worrying about practicality. They help you think of new approaches to old problems and break free from what you think you know.
3. "How Questions": After Phillips pondered the possibilities, he delved into "how" questions. How could he use the spring force of a diving board or the power of a cheetah's paw in a prosthetic foot? It was through this process that he stumbled upon the idea of a curved wooden blade he named the Flex-Foot. Asking "why," "what-if," and "how" questions, as demonstrated by Van Phillips, can lead to groundbreaking solutions and innovations.

Why Adults Stop Asking Questions

Have you ever wondered why adults don't ask as many questions as kids do? It turns out, there are a few reasons behind this change. One big reason is school. In the early years, kids bombard everyone with questions like, "Why is the sky blue?" But as they get older, the number of questions drops. Why? Schools mainly focus on facts and praise those who give the "right answers." The goal was to create good workers, not curious thinkers.

Another reason is how we manage our mental energy. Imagine questioning everything around you all the time - that would be exhausting! So, to function efficiently, we learn to ignore some things and focus on what's important. However, in today's fast-paced world, ignoring less might be the key to adapting successfully.

Corporate Culture Impact

In the working world, questioning isn't always encouraged. Many big companies operate like the military, with strict hierarchies. This system values expertise more than curiosity. Expressing confidence and having all the answers is rewarded, leaving little room for asking questions. But when things are changing rapidly, relying on what you know might not be enough. Creativity becomes crucial. And guess what? Asking questions sparks creativity.

Learn More by Asking “Why?”

Ever wondered how innovation begins? Well, the secret is in forgetting what you know and approaching things with a fresh perspective. Take a cue from Steve Jobs, who believed in the "beginner's mind" – seeing situations as if for the first time. Zen master Shunryu Suzuki once said, "In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few."To cultivate this mindset, start asking simple and naive questions, like a child’s favorite: "Why?"
Questioning, surprisingly, is often more potent when you know less. A child's innocent "Why?" once sparked the invention of the Polaroid camera. Edwin Land's daughter, on a family vacation, wondered why she couldn’t see the photo instantly. While experts knew instant photos were impossible, Land dwelled on her question. Four years later, he launched the first black-and-white instant camera.

The power of "Why?" lies in its ability to provide a fresh perspective. It helps you “step back” from your assumptions and expertise, allowing you to see things with the curiosity of a beginner. So, don’t shy away from asking "Why?" – it might just lead you to a world of possibilities.

Why You Should Ask “What If?” More Often

Your 'why' sets the stage, uncovering needs. Now, enter the realm of 'What if?' questions to explore ways to meet those needs. Asking 'What if?' allows your mind to dream beyond practical limits. “Innovation flourishes when wild ideas emerge, inspiring unconventional thinking”. Tim Westergren, for instance, pondered, "What if we could map the DNA of music?" This seemingly crazy idea birthed Pandora Internet Radio, analyzing music's fundamental elements to recommend tracks.

Innovation doesn't always demand entirely new ideas. Often, it's about remixing existing concepts. Think of it as blending familiar puzzle pieces in unexpected ways. Einstein, Jobs, Walt Disney, and George Lucas mastered the art of “remixing”, combining existing ideas to create something new. They borrowed, adapted, and reshaped, showing that groundbreaking solutions can arise from the fusion of seemingly unrelated elements.

Let Your Creativity Shine

Feeling stuck? Don't worry, there are tricks to kickstart your creativity! One cool way is to "think wrong." Yup, you heard me right! Sometimes, making crazy combinations can lead to genius ideas. Like, ever wondered about socks that don't match? Well, that random thought sparked the success of LittleMissMatched!

Another trick? Take a stroll! Seriously, just go for a walk. Let your mind wander and incubate ideas. When you're not stressing about a problem, your brain can surprise you with fresh insights. It's like giving your mind a breather to do its magic. And guess what? Your brain loves to goof off! When you're not paying attention, your brain gets busy with creative stuff. So, go ahead, daydream, visit a museum, or even take a nap! These activities give your brain the space it needs to think outside the box. So, next time you're feeling stuck, remember these tricks. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your next big idea!

Succeed by Being Realistic

In the journey of turning ideas into reality, the third step is crucial: figuring out how to make things happen. This phase involves a slow and methodical approach where you test your ideas, learn from failures, and transform them into workable products or processes.

Building a prototype is a key move. Whether it's a basic model made from simple materials or a computer graphic, create something that represents your idea. Don't get bogged down by overplanning; instead, quickly test concepts to see what works and what doesn't. Learn from more than 200 prototypes, like Phillips did with Flex-Foot.

While defying conventional wisdom can be helpful in the initial stages, the 'how' phase is different. Now, tap into other people's expertise. In today's digital age, connecting with a diverse group of people who have skills and bright ideas is easier than ever. When you face a challenging question, “people are often eager to provide advice and help you find great solutions”. So, don't hesitate to reach out and gather insights from those who've been there before.

Grow Your Business by Being Curious

Most companies prefer action over asking questions and sticking to what they know rather than facing uncertainty. But in today's fast-changing world, simply having expertise isn't enough. Knowledge becomes outdated quickly, and with Google and Wikipedia at our fingertips, there's less need to memorize facts. Here's how businesses can encourage a culture of asking questions:

1. Lead the Way: Instead of always having the answers, leaders should embrace uncertainty and help employees make sense of change. By encouraging questioning, leaders spark creativity and new ideas.
2. “Reward Questioning”: Companies should stop penalizing people for asking questions or pointing out problems without having solutions. Giving employees time to explore new ideas is crucial. For example, Google lets employees spend part of their time on personal projects.
3. Create a Learning Environment: Companies should promote exploration and discovery. Some are shifting from a rigid hierarchy to a more open, learning-focused culture. For instance, Google invites guest speakers and allows employees to teach each other.
4. Question Everything: Rather than just brainstorming solutions, focus on asking the right questions. This approach can lead to more innovative ideas and solutions.
5. Hire Curious Minds: Look for employees who are “naturally curious” and not just good at giving answers. During interviews, assess candidates' ability to ask insightful questions about the company and its challenges.