One of the most transformative periods of my life was the three years I spent learning under one of the most influential minds in business—Peter Drucker. Known as the father of modern management, Dr. Drucker shaped not just how we think about business management but also marketing, entrepreneurship, and innovation. His teachings still resonate as timeless wisdom for tackling today’s challenges.
Every day, as I work with clients, I hear his voice in my head, guiding me through the complexities of customer problems. His advice forms the foundation of my professional approach and, in many ways, my life. But one particular piece of advice stands out as especially relevant in today’s fast-changing world, and I believe it can make a meaningful difference for you and your business. Let’s explore it together.
Immersed in the Problem
I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Drucker while pursuing my MBA at Claremont Graduate University. By then, he had retired from most of his professional pursuits and dedicated his time to mentoring students at the business school that now bears his name.
Sitting on the edge of a desk with his ever-present coffee, he shared lessons drawn from his life and work. His teaching style was unique—impossible to outline or predict, as it often wandered through anecdotes, case studies, and profound observations.
One of his signature methods involved dissecting complex business problems through the Harvard case study approach. We would spend weeks examining every angle of a long, detailed scenario. As experienced professionals, our instinct was to solve the case and “fix” the problem.
That’s when Dr. Drucker would step in—and challenge us deeply.
Why It’s Not About the Answers
As leaders, we were eager to demonstrate our expertise and propose solutions. But nothing frustrated Dr. Drucker more than rushing to answers.
“The people in this case study have been working in their business for decades,” he would say. “What makes you so arrogant to think you can solve their problem when they can’t? Your job isn’t to have the right answers. Your job is to ask the right questions.”
This simple but profound insight became one of the most important lessons of my career. In my own consulting work, I approach every business challenge humbly. I’m rarely the expert in the room—but I can help guide others to the right questions, which often unlock the solutions they already possess.
The Power of the Right Questions
For small business owners, this lesson is invaluable. You don’t need to have all the answers, nor can you realistically master every aspect of your business. The key is to know which questions to ask, because the answers you need are often right in front of you.
The business landscape today is far too complex for any one person to be an expert in everything. But by staying curious, you can develop the ability to ask insightful questions that lead to meaningful progress.
This approach applies not just to running a business but to marketing, customer engagement, and content creation. Great content, for instance, starts with the right questions—questions that resonate with your audience and address their true needs.
Stay Curious, Stay Relevant
Curiosity may be the most important skill for navigating the complexities of modern business. Asking the right questions doesn’t just lead to better decisions; it strengthens your ability to adapt, connect, and create.
As you think about your business challenges, take a moment to reflect. Are you rushing to find answers, or are you stepping back to ask the right questions? That shift in mindset might be the most powerful tool you have for growth and innovation.
1. Why is asking the right questions more important than finding the right answers?
Asking the right questions helps uncover the root of a problem and opens the door to deeper insights. Often, the people closest to a business already have the knowledge to solve their challenges—they just need to be guided toward it. This approach fosters better, more sustainable solutions than quick fixes.
2. How can I identify the “right” questions to ask?
Start by being curious and open-minded. Focus on understanding the full scope of the issue rather than rushing to solutions. Consider:
- What is the actual problem?
- Who is most affected, and how?
- What assumptions am I making that could be wrong?
- What options have we overlooked?
The goal is to clarify the problem and uncover fresh perspectives.
3. What are some examples of “right questions” for small businesses?
Here are a few examples to guide your thinking:
- What does success look like for this challenge?
- What do my customers really want that I’m not providing?
- What trends could disrupt my industry, and how can I adapt?
- How can I improve my team’s performance without overburdening them?
- What do I need to learn to move my business forward?
4. How does this apply to marketing and customer engagement?
Great marketing starts with understanding your audience. Asking the right questions about their needs and preferences can lead to stronger connections and more effective campaigns. For example:
- What problem are we solving for our customers?
- How do our customers prefer to interact with us?
- What motivates them to choose our business over others?
5. What if I don’t know the right questions to ask?
That’s okay! Start by identifying what you don’t know and seek input from your team, customers, or mentors. Collaborate with others to expand your perspective. Sometimes, even a simple question like “What am I missing?” can spark valuable discussions.
6. How can asking the right questions improve my leadership?
Strong leaders recognize they don’t have all the answers. By asking thoughtful questions, you empower your team to share ideas, take ownership of challenges, and develop innovative solutions. This approach builds trust and strengthens your organization.
7. Is this approach time-consuming?
Initially, it may feel slower than jumping straight to solutions. However, investing time in asking the right questions saves time and resources in the long run by addressing the core issue instead of treating symptoms.
8. Can this strategy help with innovation?
Absolutely! Innovation thrives on curiosity. Asking questions like “What’s missing in the market?” or “How can we do this differently?” encourages creative thinking and helps uncover opportunities for growth and differentiation.
9. What’s one thing I can do today to start asking better questions?
Commit to listening more and speaking less in your next meeting or conversation. Instead of offering solutions right away, ask open-ended questions like:
- “Can you tell me more about that?”
- “What do you think we should do?”
- “Why do you think this is happening?”
10. How do I build a culture of asking questions in my business?
Lead by example. Encourage curiosity, reward thoughtful questions, and create a safe space where your team feels comfortable exploring ideas without judgment. Over time, this will foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.