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There’s something magical about being a beginner. Exploring a new project, industry, or challenge comes with a sense of freedom and curiosity. As a beginner, you’re encouraged to ask questions—uninhibited and genuine.
Over the years I’ve been a beginner at many things. I’ve often heard, “That’s a great question, but we don’t know the answer. This always made me wonder: why haven’t these questions been asked before? And more importantly, why are so many of us reluctant to ask questions, especially at work?
Why we avoid asking questions
A significant reason lies in our upbringing and education. According to the Harvard Business Review’s The Surprising Power of Questions, we’re taught to focus on answers and avoid mistakes from an early age. This mindset often follows us into adulthood, leaving us reluctant to ask questions out of fear of seeming uninformed.
Yet, questions are so much more than tools for gathering information. They are powerful drivers of connection, creativity, and change. Thoughtful questions can:
- Build relationships by demonstrating genuine interest.
- Earn trust by showing humility and listening.
- Challenge assumptions, opening doors to new possibilities.
Asking the right questions can spark fresh perspectives, deeper understanding, and innovation.
Rediscovering curiosity with a growth mindset
The secret to better questions lies in curiosity and a growth mindset. By focusing on what we can learn, rather than what we already know, we stay open to new ideas. Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, used this approach to transform the company’s culture. He encouraged employees to shift their focus from showcasing expertise to learning from one another. This change fostered curiosity, collaboration, and innovation.
Asking the right questions
The art of questioning isn’t just about curiosity—it’s also about intentionality.
Different types of questions serve different purposes:
- Challenging questions: Inspire innovation by prompting individuals to rethink assumptions and explore alternative solutions
- Reflective questions: Encourage introspection, helping people consider ideas and beliefs more deeply.
- Clarifying questions: Aim for alignment, prevent misunderstandings, and dig into the details.
- Observational questions: Asess dynamics or situations, often revealing connections or patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Using questions to drive transformation
In our course, ‘Sustainable Transformation: Roadmap for People-Driven Change’, we teach how reflective and challenging questions inspire change. The course also features a case study on Microsoft that highlights how these strategies empower organisations to innovate and grow.
The takeaway
Good questions don’t always come naturally, but they are worth cultivating. By embracing curiosity, adopting a growth mindset, and asking questions with purpose, we can become better leaders and innovators.
The next time you face a challenge, pause and ask: what question hasn’t been asked yet? The answer might unlock extraordinary opportunities.
