Why ask why?

Welcome to Love Mondays More: the weekly Linkedin newsletter that delves deeper into the ideas and concepts driving my Love Mondays email newsletter series.

Why ‘Love Mondays’? Mondays are usually anything but lovable. Studies show it’s typically our week’s low point and Guinness World Records has even dubbed it the "worst day of the week”. So I aim to provide a 4-minute caffeine hit of content to fire up the other 10,077 minutes of your week and stave off the Monday malaise. Don’t just live Mondays, Love Mondays!

When I think about children's problem-solving power, I can't help but smile. I have two incredible young godsons who constantly blow me away with their fresh perspectives and amazing problem-solving skills. With their playful and curious mindset, they dive into challenges with an open mind and a willingness to explore all possibilities. And, let's be real, they never stop asking "why?", whether it’s “Why is the sky blue” or “Why haven’t my gills grown so I can breathe underwater?” they’re always curiously seeking answers!?

The Five Whys and beyond

As we grow older, we often lose that spark of curiosity and forget to ask the magic word that opens doors to innovation and positive change: "why." But what if we reignited that fire and used the power of "why" to transform our mindset, motivation, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and relationships in both work and life?

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." ~ Albert Einstein

The Five Whys technique, founded by Sakichi Toyoda, is a shining example of how this simple yet profound question can transform how we approach problem-solving. By asking "why" five times, we can peel back the layers of a problem and get to the root cause, unlocking effective and more permanent solutions.

But let's use this technique to affect our thinking even further. Why stop at just five whys? The possibilities are endless when we embrace curiosity and explore every avenue of inquiry, even if it takes us down uncharted paths. By asking "why" with an open mind, we can challenge our assumptions, uncover hidden biases, and unlock new ways of thinking.

Asking "why" inspires us to dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. When we question the status quo and challenge the norm, we create opportunities for growth and innovation. We can use "why" to envision the future we desire, identify the barriers that stand in our way, and chart a course of action to overcome them. The Five Whys technique is just the beginning of how we can transform our thinking and our world.

Don't just ask why, take action! Here are four ways to incorporate the power of "why" into your problem-solving approach:

1. Be more inquisitive: Challenge your assumptions and keep asking "why" even if you think you know the answer. Don't settle for surface-level solutions when deeper insights could be uncovered.
2. Be more persistent: Take the time to peel back the layers of a problem by asking "why" multiple times and exploring different angles. Don't be afraid to reframe your "why" questions to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issue eg. “What if” or “Why do you think that happened”
3. Be more strategic: Start with the ideal outcome you want to achieve, ask "why" to identify the obstacles standing in your way, and develop a clear strategy for achieving your goals.
4. ?Be more inclusive: Involve your team members by asking them "why" questions and leveraging their unique perspectives and insights to solve problems and achieve goals.

Let's keep asking "why" until we unravel new insights and open up endless possibilities! Have you ever used the Five Whys technique to solve a problem?

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