Why & How:

These two words define the intellectual level we have, and wish to have. For an improved intellectual quotient in our lives, we need to use these two golden words more often.

I have heard many times seniors motivating us by asking us to ask "good" questions. Who defines which Q is good and which is bad? The important point that most people miss is to motivate people to ask Qs, and not bother about whether a Q is good or bad, whether it is worth being asked or not. However, it becomes the responsibility of the questioner to ensure that he asks the Q at the right forum, more so if he really wants to get the answer, and I am sure most of the genuine questioners want answers to their Qs.

Now, let's look deeper into the significance and difference between these two words. The "How" Q makes us question how a particular thing happens in the world, and thereby takes us to the first step of cognitive power. The "Why" Q makes us question the existing way of doing something. A lesson that I learned long back is to question why something should be done the way it is told to be done. Questions are particularly important when it comes to business, devising new ways of doing business, and not sticking with the tried-and-tested ways. I do not mean that what is established is wrong, but the point is that there may be a better way to do the same thing, a more efficient and effective way. In order to find that way, we need to cultivate the habit of asking Qs, and seeking answers.

Once we inculcate the habit of asking Qs, the next step is (indeed) to ask "good" Qs; Qs that make the listener think about the answer, questions that take us to the next level of cognitive power. We learn this trait by hit-and-trial, by asking more and more Qs, and understanding the basics of effective communication in the process.

Happy Questioning!