How to Ask Good Questions: 5 Ways to Discover the Truth and Six Myths of Product Development

How to Ask Good Questions: 5 Ways to Discover the Truth and Six Myths of Product Development

Asking good questions is essential if we want to discover the truth. Questions are powerful tools that can be used to elicit information, persuade, assess knowledge, and establish relationships. However, not all questions are created equal, and there are certain types of questions that are more effective than others. In this article, we will explore five ways to ask good questions and uncover the truth, as well as debunk six common myths of product development.

1. Story-eliciting Questions
   One way to find the right question to ask is to reverse-engineer it from the kind of information we want to elicit. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt once said, "our minds are story processors, not logic processors." By asking questions that elicit stories from others, we can gain valuable insights and uncover hidden truths. These questions are designed to tap into the emotional and narrative aspects of human thinking, allowing us to understand the motivations, experiences, and perspectives of others.

2. Chunking Questions
   Another effective technique for asking good questions is to use chunking questions. These questions help navigate the level of detail in a conversation and can be used to either narrow down or broaden the scope of a discussion. Chunking down is useful when answers are too general or abstract, while chunking up can provide a larger context or perspective. By using chunking questions, we can ensure that we are getting the information we need without overwhelming the other person.

3. Calibrated Questions
   Calibrated Questions are a powerful tool for eliciting information and keeping negotiations going. These questions, popularized by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss, start with "how" and put pressure on the counterpart to come up with answers and contemplate problems. Unlike other open questions, calibrated questions do not put the respondent in control of the conversation. Instead, they create a sense of urgency and compel the other person to provide meaningful responses.

4. The Columbo Method
   The Columbo Method, inspired by the famous detective character, is a subtle and effective way of asking questions. By making others feel smarter than you are, you can gain valuable insights and uncover hidden truths. The key is to ask casual, random open questions to put people at ease and then drop a question that gets to the heart of what you really want to know. Just when they assume the questioning is over, you turn around and drop an observation that leaves them on edge. This method can be particularly useful in situations where people may be hesitant to share information.

5. Alexander's Question
   Alexander's Question is a powerful tool for challenging assumptions and promoting analytical humility. By asking someone what new information would it take for them to change their mind, you prompt them to reassess their beliefs and consider alternative perspectives. This question forces us to recognize that our initial judgments may be wrong and encourages us to approach problems with an open mind.

Now that we've explored five ways to ask good questions and uncover the truth, let's debunk six common myths of product development:

1. High utilization of resources will improve performance.
   Contrary to popular belief, high utilization of resources does not necessarily improve performance in product development. In fact, when managers completely fill the plates of their employees, the speed, efficiency, and output quality of projects inevitably decrease. It's important to recognize the intrinsic variability of development work and understand how queues affect economic performance.

2. Processing work in large batches improves the economics of the development process.
   While processing work in large batches may seem efficient, it actually hinders the development process. Small batches allow for faster feedback and improved cycle times, quality, and efficiency. By reducing batch sizes, companies can accelerate the development process and achieve better results.

3. Sticking to the original development plan is the key to success.
   In reality, sticking to the original plan can be a recipe for disaster in product development. Development work is fluid and constantly evolving, and it's crucial to adapt and revise plans as new evidence unfolds and economic assumptions change. Treating the development plan as an initial hypothesis allows for flexibility and better decision-making.

4. Starting a project early will result in faster completion.
   Starting a project before having the necessary resources can actually slow down the development process. It's important to ensure that the required resources are available before embarking on a project to avoid delays and inefficiencies.

5. Adding more features to a product will make it more desirable.
   While it may be tempting to add as many features as possible to a product, this approach can actually backfire. Articulating the problem that the product is trying to solve and determining which features are essential is crucial for success. Sometimes, simplicity and ease of use are more valuable to customers than a product with numerous bells and whistles.

6. Getting it right the first time is the ultimate goal.
   Requiring teams to get everything right on the first try can hinder innovation and creativity. Embracing an iterative approach and conducting early and frequent tests allows for faster learning and improvement. Making mistakes along the way is inevitable, but it's the number of experiments and learnings that ultimately leads to success.

In conclusion, asking good questions is essential for uncovering the truth and making informed decisions. By using techniques such as story-eliciting questions, chunking questions, calibrated questions, the Columbo Method, and Alexander's Question, we can gain valuable insights and challenge our assumptions. Additionally, understanding the common myths of product development can help us navigate the complexities of the development process and achieve better results. Remember to approach questioning and product development with an open mind and a willingness to adapt and learn.