Unlocking Creativity and Innovation
Creativity and innovation are essential for solving today’s complex problems. Yet, too often, we overlook one of the most powerful tools at our disposal: the ability to ask better questions. I’ve found that asking better questions isn’t just a technique—it’s a practice that fosters curiosity, builds trust, and ultimately leads to innovation. In my book The Creativity Leap, I emphasize the transformative power of inquiry as the foundation for creative thinking.
But what does it mean to ask better questions? How can we cultivate this skill to drive meaningful change in both my personal and professional life? Let’s dive into these ideas and see how you can unlock creativity.
Why Do Better Questions Matter?
In Chapter 3 of The Creativity Leap, I describe inquiry as “the messy process of moving from why to how.” What I’ve realized is that better questions do more than elicit answers—they spark discovery! For example, in organizations, asking “Why is this problem happening?” or “What would happen if we tried X?” can shift our focus from routine thinking to expansive, imaginative possibilities.
Hal Gregersen, author of Questions Are the Answer, argues that innovation starts not with answers, but with catalytic questions – open-ended questions that challenge assumptions, create discomfort, and provoke deeper thought. For instance, Gregersen recalls how Elon Musk’s curiosity about why space travel was so expensive led to the creation of SpaceX. By asking “What if we could reuse rockets?”, he transformed an entire industry that was once considered static.s.
The Barriers to Asking Better Questions
Despite its importance, inquiry is often undervalued in workplaces and educational systems. I highlight three primary barriers to effective questioning:
- Fear of Vulnerability: Asking questions exposes gaps in knowledge, which can feel risky in environments that prioritize certainty over curiosity.
- Constraints: Fast-paced work cultures often prioritize quick answers over deep exploration.
- Fixed Mindsets: Many of us have been conditioned to view questioning as disruptive rather than constructive.
Warren Berger, in A More Beautiful Question, critiques how traditional education stifles curiosity by rewarding answers over questions. As a result, we often lose the innate questioning skills we had as children. Restoring this capability requires deliberate practice.
Strategies for Asking Better Questions
Start with “Why,” “What If,” and “How”
I’ve found that effective inquiry often begins with these three types of questions:
- Why: To uncover the root of a problem or challenge assumptions. In fact, Simon Sinek famously made this a starting point for inquiry with his book Start with Why.
- What if: To explore possibilities and imagine new solutions.
- How: To translate ideas into actionable steps.
For example, when a team at GE Healthcare sought to improve pediatric MRI experiences, they reframed the challenge from “How do we make this machine better?” to “What if we could make this process less scary for children?” This awesome shift in question asking led to the creation of MRI Adventure Series rooms, transforming fear into excitement for young patients.
- Normalize Curiosity in Teams
Building a culture of inquiry requires creating safe spaces for employees to ask “naïve” questions without fear of judgment. I emphasize that trust is the foundation for meaningful inquiry. Leaders can model vulnerability by admitting when they don’t have all the answers and encouraging others to do the same. - Practice Active Listening
Asking better questions is only half the battle; listening deeply to the answers is equally important. Research from Harvard Business Review suggests that active listening enhances collaboration and fosters innovative ideas. Teams that prioritize listening can more effectively synthesize diverse perspectives into creative solutions. - Embrace Improvisation
I connect inquiry with improvisation, describing how asking open-ended questions creates space for experimentation. Improvisational techniques, such as building on others’ ideas with “Yes, and…,” can help teams navigate ambiguity and discover unexpected solutions. - Embrace Uncertainty
Both Gregersen and I emphasize the value of sitting with discomfort. Great questions often lead to more questions before they reveal answers. This iterative process mirrors the complexity of the challenges we face today, from climate change to technological disruption.
Real-World Applications of Better Questions
- Design Thinking
Many design-thinking methodologies are grounded in inquiry. IDEO, a global design company, uses human-centered questioning to solve problems creatively. Their process begins with empathizing and asking, “What do users truly need?” This approach has led to breakthroughs ranging from healthcare innovations to consumer products. - Leadership Development
In leadership, asking better questions can improve decision-making and foster growth. Leaders who ask their teams, “What are we not seeing?” or “What assumptions are we making that might be wrong?” are on the right track! These questions can help uncover blind spots and inspire continuous improvement. - Personal Growth
On a personal level, better questions help me navigate life transitions and align with my values. For instance, instead of asking, “What should I do next?” I try asking, “What excites me most about this opportunity?” This invites introspection and clarity.
The Impact of Better Questions
When I embrace inquiry, I unlock my ability to think expansively, connect deeply, and act courageously. My 3iCreativity™ model—which integrates inquiry with improvisation and intuition—offers a practical roadmap for building this capacity. By fostering curiosity, trust, and imagination, better questions have the power to transform not just individual lives, but entire organizations and communities.
Conclusion
Asking better questions is not a passive act—it’s a creative leap that requires courage, curiosity, and intentionality. Inquiry is a skill I can cultivate to navigate complexity, spark innovation, and create meaningful value in the world. Let’s move beyond seeking quick answers and embrace the power of wondering “Why?” “What if?” and “How?”
References
- Nixon, Natalie. The Creativity Leap: Unleash Curiosity, Improvisation, and Intuition at Work. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2020.
- Gregersen, Hal. Questions Are the Answer: A Breakthrough Approach to Your Most Vexing Problems at Work and in Life. Harper Business, 2018.
- Berger, Warren. A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas. Bloomsbury USA, 2014.
- “The Art of Asking Questions.” Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org.
- IDEO Design Thinking Resources. https://www.ideo.com.
