Why questions are imperative in the age of specialization

Curiosity is the foundation of innovation. As children we learn about the world by asking questions – in fact discovery helps our brains grow. Eventually however, the idea takes root that questions equal ineptitude. But the truth is we can’t know everything – especially in the age of specialization.

How many meetings have you attended where you were unsure of an acronym and didn’t ask for clarification? You assumed everyone else knew what it meant – it must have been discussed in an earlier meeting and you didn’t want to appear incompetent. But in reality, you likely weren’t alone. However, by not asking the team has collectively agreed not to pursue an answer thereby removing what could be an important aspect of the discussion.

The basis of cross-collaborative teamwork is to bring together experts on diverse topics. By definition, teammates are reliant on each other’s expertise to broaden their understanding of the bigger picture. As the saying goes, ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’, so asking clarifying questions is essential to this type of work. No one expects a finance representative to be an expert on electrical engineering. So, in your next meeting – ask the question – you’ll learn something new and could bring a whole new perspective to the discussion. And from a bottom-line standpoint, building a culture that encourages and invests in curiosity leads to higher performing, more adaptable firms [1].

1.  Gino, F. (2018, September 1). The Business Case for Curiosity. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2018/09/the-business-case-for-curiosity