MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors

Advances in technology and increases in the severity of global problems have elevated the importance of inquiry as a hard skill. Asking the smartest possible question can offer pathways to innovative, unforeseen solutions. So how do we sharpen our inquiry skills?

It is a leader’s job is to flush out information, insights, and alternatives, unearthing critical questions the team has overlooked. The greatest problems can arise from leaving the most important questions unasked.

Thus, these researchers analyzed their survey of business executives and found that strategic questions can be grouped into five leading classifications. Each unlocks a different aspect of the decision-making process. Together they can help you tackle key issues that are all too easy to miss. These 5 types of inquiry are:

1. Investigative: Good leaders begin by clarifying their purpose and identifying what they need to learn; often using successive “Why?” questions to uncover deeper insights. Additionally, driving at “How?” can help groups move beyond generic solutions.
2. Speculative: Speculative questions, such as “What if…?” and “What else…?”, enable leaders to reframe problems and explore creative solutions. The global design company IDEO uses the prompt “How might we…?” to overcome limiting assumptions and foster innovative problem-solving.
3. Productive: Productive questions, such as, “How can we get this done done?” aid in evaluating the available capability, talent, time, and other resources. These questions drive the discussions in which action is explored and execution plans are honed.
4. Interpretive: Interpretive, or “sensemaking” questions, enable action by continually redefining the core issue or probing deeper into the problem at hand. They follow up on investigative, speculative, and productive questions to draw out new conclusions, such as considering the impact of trends, exploring opportunities, and understanding the implications for scaling up.
5. Subjective: The final category of questions addresses allows us to take reservations, frustrations, tensions, and hidden agendas that can derail decision-making into account. You have to emphasize the emotional aspects of a decision. Neglecting to do so can cause well-crafted solutions to be undermined by subjective reactions, despite solid analysis and plans.

By pinpointing strengths and weaknesses in your question-asking and considering the five types of questions outlined above, you will be more empowered to ask better questions- and create an atmosphere of smarter strategic inquiry.

Though it may not feel natural to some, research shows that the art of networking can be learned and developed. A recent study surveyed 450 professionals from various occupations to determine the most important factors for developing networking skills. They found that the development of network skills– regardless of age, gender, career stage, or level of extroversion or introversion– can be developed through these five important points of focus:

1. Cognitive Flexibility – building the ability to adapt your thinking swiftly in response to changing situations will help you in networking situations as you navigate different personalities, and effectively respond to social cues. You can build cognitive flexibility by making changes to your daily routine, like taking a different route to work or working from a new location. Video games have also been shown to help with cognitive flexibility.
2. A Promotion Focus– a “promotion focus” is about going for positive outcomes, rather than a “prevention focus” which is about avoiding negative ones. Going into conversations being afraid of rejection or awkwardness is self-defeating. Take a deep breath and remember that every conversation need not be a home run. Be excited for the possibilities that arise from networking, even if it is somewhat uncomfortable at times.
3. Perceived Prowess– Work to build self belief. If you believe you can network, it’s more likely that you can. Replace negative thoughts with positive self-talk, such as “I can do this,” “It’s okay to be nervous,” and “I have prepared and I’m ready.” Ask for feedback from those you trust to enhance your sense of preparation.
4. Persistence– The more persistently you network, the greater your chances of success. The method— be it in person, by phone or email, or via LinkedIn — depends on personal preference, but what matters is that you follow through.
5. A Future-Focused Temporal Orientation– Rather than focusing on the past or present, envision the future. Contemplate upcoming events and think about the possibilities ahead. This will create a sense of excitement for networking, and add intention to your efforts.

Even incremental improvements in these areas can have a substantial impact on your willingness and ability to network!

1. In the workplace, perfection can feel like the only option. The fear of making a mistake can lead to crippling anxiety that only adds to the risk of an error and can have hugely negative impacts outside of work.
2. Distinguish between big and small mistakes: Focusing on every possible mistake can distract you from the most significant or costly ones. Speak to colleagues and study your role to gain full comprehension of the most common and most costly errors. It will give you the feeling of having your feet beneath you when assessing the risk of error.
3. Adopt risk-reducing systems and habits: perfection is impossible. You can implement risk-reducing systems and habits, like checklists or standard protocols (think about the way pilots have a list of checks they do before takeoff) and cultivate a culture that encourages reporting near-misses and sharing diverse viewpoints. Such approaches focus on learning rather than blaming, and they reward the identification of unknown risks.
4. Get support to address your weaknesses: Acknowledge the areas of your job in which you’re most prone to error, and address them through the assistance of a mentor, consultant, therapist, or friend. Self-improvement, more often than not, involves many besides just the self.
5. Play on your strengths: Use your strengths to mitigate your weaknesses. For instance- if you are a visual person, set visual reminders for yourself that assist you in safeguarding against your weaknesses.
6. Address self-sabotaging behaviors: When we’re very anxious about something, we often self-sabotage in ways that increase the chances of the feared thing happening. Spend the extra money on the tools you need, ask for extra time on tasks if needed. Believe in your own ability to overcome your shortcomings.
7. Collaborate with others focused on the same issues: Seek out solutions in group environments and find groups that share your fears or deal with similar challenges. Consider getting involved in larger efforts to reduce mistakes in your field or role.
8. Reduce small-threat distraction by taking simple actions to mitigate those risks: Take simple actions that help reduce the frequency of minor problems- the “low hanging fruit.” Address minor potential mistakes to the extent that they free up your mental capacity to think about and prevent larger ones.
9. Consider a hobby that allows you to make mistakes: Take up an activity in which mistakes and false starts aren’t at all costly. The author cites a CEO who alleviates the pressure of his work environment by going surfing- a relaxing hobby in which mistakes are not frowned upon but expected and celebrated.