Get Curious, Ask Questions

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Curiosity is the bedrock of all innovation. However, curiosity at the early stage may be perceived as stubbornness and antagonism, because curious individuals rarely go with the crowd. They take a unique stance and ask questions that challenge the norm. Despite this negative perception, the product of a curious mind is often something different and unique. We call it innovation.

One entrepreneur that fits this mold is Steve Jobs. We all know the name behind one of the most successful companies in the world, Apple INC. Although Jobs is often celebrated today, his curiosity drove him to the edge and put him at odds with a lot of peers in his time. Addressing a group of Stanford Students, Jobs in his famous Stanford commencement Speech revealed that following his curiosity and intuition turned out to be priceless.

He ended the speech by saying;

Curiosity Starts With Questions

If you want to be innovative, then you must be ready to ask questions. Not the questions everyone has been asking, otherwise, you will get the same answers. The search for innovation begins when you are willing to take a different position, consider things from a different perspective, and ask a different question. Questions provoke thoughts, but not every question leads to innovative thinking. This is why it is important to ask the right questions.

What is The Right Question

It is difficult to define the “right question” in a way that fits all scenarios. However, some characteristics can help you easily identify when you have figured out the right question to ask. With that in mind, here is what to look out for;

It Is likely going to be open-ended;

Open-ended questions cannot be answered simply with Yes or No. They are questions that require deep reflection and a more thoughtful response.

It frames the problem perfectly;

Framing the problem can be difficult but when you get it right, then you have the right question. A well-framed question captures the problem and delivers it in a manner that is easily understood.

It challenges the norm;

Innovation entails doing something that has not been done. This also means you would have to solve problems yet to be solved or find new solutions to old problems. Both of these require going against the norm. Einstein puts it best when he said;

Building a Culture of Curiosity

An organization or business is made up of several individuals working together toward a specific goal. Organizational culture refers to how the different people working within the organization behave and interact with each other and the world around them. Organizational culture has a strong influence on its success or failure.

A positive organizational culture embodies different positive values, beliefs, and attitudes. Curiosity is a good addition to an organization’s culture and it begins by encouraging questions that challenge the norm. Individuals who ask such questions shouldn’t be stopped but rather encouraged as they are often change makers.

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Until next time, Best Regards.

Alex