It Is Time To Ask Why

Bernard Baruch observed, "Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why."

So many times in my life, I never stopped to ask the most fundamental question of why certain things had to be done in a particular way. I came across a book I can recommend by Warren Berger, " Most Beautiful Question. I like a method used by Warren Berger’s three-part method for More Creativity but it doesn't have to be just used for creativity it can be used for day-to-day use in problem-solving. It starts with asking the basic question of why.

Why Stage

Steve Jobs questioned why computers have to just be used by people in the financial industry? Uber was started when it's founder questioned why transportation in a city has to be so expensive? Airbnb founders questioned why do people have to spend so much money going to hotels?

What if questions are the second part of Berger's technique

What if questions force people to think of several alternative solutions to the why questions. Steve Jobs asked what if I could produce a slick computer that would attract a group of users to see the possibilities of creatively using a computer? Uber founders asked," What if you could request a ride from your phone? " Airbnb asked what if I could get people to rent their properties and people would be attracted to rent them.

How Stage

The last stage takes the most work it is the How to Stage; it can't be rushed. It requires lots of experimentation and testing to see what solution is best. It took years for Apple to be a trendsetter with millions of followers, the same with Uber and Airbnb.

You might not create a new company but I believe all of us can follow this simple formula to improve some processes and can make a difference.