Asking powerful questions helps you to spark creative thinking and innovative problem solving. Just asking 3 simple words is all it takes – “How might we…?”
Many successful businesses from P&G to Google to Amazon are known for using this simple ‘HMW’ approach to tackle difficult challenges. Here is how each of the 3 words can be powerful in spurring creative problem solving:
“How” assumes that solutions do exist, and at the same time you offer the group confidence that they can creatively identify and solve the issue. Start by asking broad questions like “How might we improve X?” or “How might we find a new way to accomplish Y?”
“Might” means you can put ideas out there that might work or might not – either way, you’ll learn something useful. You will open up more possibilities and create more options if you avoid the use of words like “can” or “should” which imply judgement and close down ideas.
“We” is a sign that you’re going to work as a team and build on each other’s ideas to find creative solutions together.
This “How might we” question approach works best when applied to ambitious yet achievable challenges.
So the next time you’re feeling stuck and looking for some creative solutions, simply ask “How might we… improve X, solve Y, or achieve Z goal?’