A framework for effective enquiry

I was watching a masterclass by Indra Nooyi on Leadership where she spoke about the essential tools for every leader.? In one section, she highlighted a poem from Rudyard Kipling’s children's book, "The Elephant's Child,". The poem goes like this:

I keep six honest serving-men

???(They taught me all I knew);

Their names are What and Why and When?

???And How and Where and Who.

While the method and delivery of this poem is extremely simple, the idea behind it is quite powerful, and struck with me.? I have always been fascinated by problem solving. It is a skill you can be a lifelong learner of, and everytime you apply it to your work or even in life, you get to learn a bit more about problems and sometimes even something new about yourself.

At work, we often use structured approaches like McKinsey’s 7-step method for problem-solving, but Kipling's poem reminds us of the power of simplicity. Its fundamental questions can unlock deep insights without complex frameworks, offering straightforward keys to understanding any challenge or opportunity.

How can we use this simple framework to be more strategic and effective in problem solving? Here are my key takeaways:?

Obsess on the Why - "Why" is perhaps the most critical of Kipling's serving-men when it comes to dissecting the layers of a complex scenario. By focusing on why things happen, we delve into the root causes behind actions and outcomes. This obsession with the "Why" allows us to understand underlying motivations and to anticipate future behaviors and possibilities.

For example, when pitching a proposal to a client, don't just get started with it; ask, "Why would this customer accept it?" This reveals their specific needs, making your pitch more targeted and persuasive. Also, considering "Why would we win this deal over the competitor?" helps you highlight what sets your offer apart and align it with the client's expectations.

Dissociate the What from the How - Often, we conflate what needs to be done with how it should be done, which can restrict creativity. By separating "What" (the objective or the goal) from "How" (the method or process), we provide clarity and flexibility. This separation encourages a focus on the end goal without getting prematurely bogged down by the specifics of the methodology, which can evolve more adaptively in response to changing conditions or insights.

For instance, in launching a new product, focus on defining its features and the right target market first ("What"). The execution details ("How") can then be adjusted dynamically based on ongoing feedback and testing.

Leverage "Who," "Where," and "When" for Effective Execution - Understanding the "Why" reveals the motives and causes behind actions, but focusing on "Who," "Where," and "When" sharpens the operational details of any project. These questions refine the contours of a problem, making it more manageable and solvable. Use them as your navigational tools in problem framing and execution. By clearly delineating these elements, your team can direct their efforts more strategically, enhancing the likelihood of your project's success.

To wrap it up, Rudyard Kipling’s little verse about his six trusty serving-men is more than just a cute rhyme from a children’s book—it’s a secret weapon for any leader worth their salt. By inviting What, Why, When, How, Where, and Who to every meeting, you’re not just covering your bases—you’re setting the stage for some serious problem-solving magic. Think of it as having your own investigative team, ready to dissect every challenge and unearth insights that might otherwise slip through the cracks. So next time you’re faced with a head-scratcher, remember Kipling’s crew. They’re the old-school yet surprisingly cool tools that can help you think outside the box, stay on your toes, and maybe even have a little fun while you’re at it.