In the hit series True Detective, Sheriff Liz Danvers is known for a unique trait: she always asks her colleagues to ask another question—not just any question, but the one that gets to the heart of the matter. And she keeps on asking.
In our daily work, we’re constantly faced with decisions that require understanding, assessment, and analysis. But how often do we pause to consider if we’re asking the right questions?
Too often, we blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, leading to incorrect assumptions and lackluster conclusions. We engage in uninterrupted discussion, failing to step back and reflect on what information we genuinely need.
The next time you’re in a discussion, take a moment to pause. Consider whether the questions being asked will unlock the answers you seek.
Asking the right question is a skill that separates the good from the great. It’s the key to understanding, to problem-solving, to decision-making.
So, before you ask, ask yourself: is this the right question? Or is there another, more crucial one waiting to be discovered?