Are You Asking the Right Question?

I’ve noticed over the years that when I have a problem in business or relationship that is proving persistent, it’s likely that I’m asking myself the wrong question.

Questions are the neck that turns the head. If your head is facing in the wrong direction, it’s difficult for your eyes and brain to generate the right answer.

A brilliant answer to the wrong question is still the wrong answer.

A good example of this is cycle risk. Initially, the team at EG asked the question: When will a correction occur and how far will prices fall? This is a predictive question that requires a crystal ball. You need to be Nostradamus to answer it and even his record was patchy at best.

A far better question is: if a correction does occur, how far do asset prices have to fall? This question is much easier to answer. You are no longer trying to predict the future, you’re just asking how far cap rates etc have deviated from their long term norms.

In matters of relationship, rather than asking: how do I solve this? – I’ve found it much more productive to ask the question: what might make things a little better? The second question is far more likely to generate creative ideas. Give it a try.

So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself the question: am I asking the right question?