Asking The Right Question

There are two words that can change a meeting, a brainstorm, an idea, a pitch, a task, a project, etc. These two words hold the power to unleash creativity like never before. As simple as they seem, these two words can open your mind to new possibilities. Whenever I lead a brainstorming session, one of the rules is you have to begin each idea with the following two words:

What if?

If you find yourself stuck, or before you even get stuck, ask yourself or your team, “What if?”

What if we look at this from the user's perspective?

What if we did the opposite of what we’re thinking here?

What if we brought in outside counsel?

What if this is bigger than we think?

What if we added balloons?

What if this goes viral?

What if it was blue instead of red?

You get the idea. Just through it out there beginning with the two words, “What if…”. This can change the whole vibe of the room for the better, even if you’re by yourself.

Go ahead, try it! Don’t get stuck thinking of all the roadblocks, just start asking, out loud, “What if…?”