A few years ago I read a book by Patrick Lencioni titled, Getting Naked (Be VERY careful about Googling it). Aside from enjoying the topics he covered in the book and finding it a very clear, easy read, the one thing that stuck with me was the idea of daring to look “stupid”.
His premise, with experience to back it up, was that too often people don’t ask simple, seemingly obvious, questions because they’re afraid of looking unknowledgeable or stupid. Lencioni resolved to make a determined effort to not hold back when asking questions and as a result he made some fascinating discoveries.
Often there were other people who had the same questions, but were afraid to ask them. By asking some of these “stupid” questions, it caused the meetings to address some basic issues and topics that weren’t entirely resolved.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the benefits in asking all of the questions that you have, even the seemingly stupid ones. Design is all about solving problems with visual solutions, and while it is important to hone your ability to find a solid visual solution, we don’t want to overlook the first step of understanding the problem.
The more that we lean into asking “stupid” questions, the more we can understand the problem we are trying to solve. Of course, I’m sure there are a number of people who would say I clearly have no issue with looking stupid; that it’s practically my trademark. However, all jokes aside, I have found when done intentionally, asking the “stupid” questions has helped our work in a number of ways. For the remainder of this article, I’d like to share what some of those benefits are in the hopes of encouraging you to take more risks in the questions you ask.
Discovering New Information
Sometimes by asking basic questions, even if they are not related specifically to the company can reveal new information or a new direction to explore. For example, asking about another company’s approach to a tangential problem may reveal a tact or approach that hasn’t been considered yet.
Putting Pieces Together
Sometimes by asking questions that may seem a bit off-topic, new approaches or perspectives on a topic can reveal themselves. This seems particularly true in design work. There are times that a tangential question can lead down a path the results in a concept approach that wouldn’t have been considered otherwise.
Recollection
There are times that asking questions about the history of a topic or program at a company can help stimulate memories of early challenges or concerns that may have fallen by the wayside.
Better Understanding
Another thing that can result in asking more questions, even seemingly “stupid” ones, is that it can sometimes provide a better, or more “well-rounded” picture of the people involved. This kind of discussion can sometimes uncover preconceptions and assumptions, as well as particular judgements or unvoiced concerns. This is almost always a case of, “the more information, the better”.
Establish Common Terms
I’m sure it’s not too much of a stretch to say that everyone has had the experience of having a discussion, only to discover that there was a missed connection about the meaning or definition of a concept or a term. This reminds me of the old Steve Martin bit:
“Ok, I don’t like to gear my material to the audience but I’d like to make an exception because I was told that there is a convention of plumbers in San Francisco this week – I understand about 30 of them came down to the show tonight – so before I came out I worked-up a joke especially for the plumbers. Those of you who aren’t plumbers probably won’t get this and won’t think it’s funny, but I think those of you who are plumbers will really enjoy this…
“This lawn supervisor was out on a sprinkler maintenance job and he started working on a Findlay sprinkler head with a Langstrom 7″ gangly wrench. Just then, this little apprentice leaned over and said, “You can’t work on a Findlay sprinkler head with a Langstrom 7″ wrench.” Well this infuriated the supervisor, so he went and got Volume 14 of the Kinsley manual, and he reads to him and says, “The Langstrom 7″ wrench can be used with the Findlay sprocket.” Just then, the little apprentice leaned over and said, “It says sprocket not socket!”
[dead silence]“Were these plumbers supposed to be here this show…?”
When you are in a meeting and there is a term or phrase that is being used that you aren’t clear on or that you think different people are using the same term with different meaning, you can save a whole bunch confusion but asking for a term to be explained for the purpose of making sure that everyone understands it and is using it the same way.
Discover You Aren’t Alone
99 Times out of 100, when you take the risk and ask a “stupid” question, someone else will have the same question. Okay, maybe not 99. But 98 is probably not too much of a stretch. As a result, the level of connection within a team will increase. Plus, it can create a “piggy back” effect of someone using your question as a way to ask an additional question that often opens up the discussion in unexpected and useful ways. ‘Nuf said.
SIDENOTE: If you are someone who runs meetings, get in the habit of affirming when people ask questions. “Great question, Hal!” “Thanks so much for asking that, Debbie.” Of course, only do that if you want to create effective environments where people feel heard and your meetings are productive. Otherwise continue as usual.
We hope it is clear there are countess benefits to asking questions, even stupid or obvious ones. Of course it can always feel risky and can sometimes feel awkward or ill-advised, but it’s important to work through that discomfort.The payoff, both in terms of uncovering new information, generating new ideas, or simply putting people at ease.
So, c’mon… dare to be stupid.
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