Stop Being "Smart"

The Power of "Dumb" Questions

In university, I would always sit in the front row. This strategic choice served dual purposes. Firstly, it allowed me to focus more easily on the lesson, free from the distractions that often filled the back of the lecture hall.

Then there's the other equally important benefit - the freedom to ask the initial questions. It can be quite intimidating to ask questions in such a setting. Imagine sitting at the back of the lecture hall, with dozens of students in front of you. Various movements constantly distract your attention, and a seemingly 'dumb' question lingers in your mind. But you hesitate to ask, dreading the moment when the whole class will turn and look at you.

Contrast this scenario to when you sit in the first row. Here, if you ask a basic question, no one turns to look at you. You are spared from the awkwardness of feeling all those eyes on you.

On the other hand, you might be surprised to know that the entire class actually appreciates these first questions you ask. This is because every question that comes after will seem better than yours. But if you don't dare to ask that first question, a strange thing happens. Everyone pretends to understand, and a challenging topic can quickly be glossed over. So the bravery to ask the 'dumb' questions has its own unique value.

Here's why asking 'dumb' questions is actually a smart idea:

• It prompts the other party to explain in a simple way. This ensures everyone is on the same page and prevents misunderstandings.

• It aids your learning of the topic. Particularly if you're not an expert in the area, these questions provide an opportunity to understand and learn the subject matter more deeply.

• If you ask within a group, it encourages others to ask questions as well. There's always fear of asking the first question or any simple question that comes to mind in a class or group. People often think, "I'm sure everyone knows this already, I don't want to embarrass myself by asking." Actually, 'dumb' questions can inspire others who are also scared to ask, thus enabling a deeper understanding of the topic being discussed.

• One of the main reasons not to ask these kinds of questions is the presumption that you've already understood when something was explained. Reality might not be as you imagined it, so basic questions can reveal these assumptions. Such questions can expose underlying assumptions that need to be challenged.

• 'Dumb' questions can spark creativity. They encourage innovative thinking by prompting people to look at things from a different angle. Questions that have never been considered, or have always been considered within a certain framework, can take both you and the community out of that box.

In investment meetings, I don't hesitate to ask entrepreneurs 'dumb' questions, because it aids in my understanding of the subject and helps me to learn the details. I also believe it fosters closer communication with the entrepreneur. It makes potential risks easier to identify. It's beneficial to see how deep the entrepreneur's knowledge is about their own business.

When entrepreneurs are launching their products, trying to find the product-market fit, they should start by asking potential customers simple questions. On the other hand, as your company grows and you're trying to understand internal problems by talking with your employees, don't shy away from asking simple, 'dumb' questions. They will facilitate communication, creativity, and problem-solving.

Remember, no question is truly 'dumb' if it leads to greater understanding and knowledge.