Are We Asking the Right Questions? Jodie Foster and a ‘True Detective’ Look at Business Blind Spots
Ok – So, it’s taken me some time to put this into words…but while my wife and I watched the latest season of True Detective, I was struck with Jodie Foster’s character always coming back to the saying “Are we asking the right questions?” For the record, HBO's latest season of True Detective, "North Country," throws us headfirst into a gruesome crime or crimes and of course, existential dread. But beneath the surface of occult conspiracies and philosophical monologues, is a question with profound implications for day-to-day business: Are we asking the right questions?
In the series True Detective, flawed detectives are always grappling with the big stuff: the nature of evil, the fleeting nature of existence, and the pursuit of a truth that may or may not exist. But season 4 cleverly injects contemporary anxieties, showcasing the rise of technology addiction, the erosion of trust in institutions and a growing sense of alienation in an increasingly connected world.
So, stay with me here. These themes, I think, translate directly to the business world. We're bombarded with data, yet we all can struggle to find insights among the fast-paced data that smacks us in the face. Solutions without fully understanding the problem is my default-mode and nature. In a world full of data, are we so focused on these metrics that we've forgotten the importance of asking the right questions?
Here's a True Detective-inspired look at some common blind spots in business, and how to shift our focus:
Chasing "Likes" vs. Understanding Needs: Social media "likes" and follower counts can be tempting vanity metrics. In True Detective, manipulated narratives have devastating consequences. Are we asking the right questions about our target audience? Are we focusing on building genuine connections and understanding their needs, or simply chasing fleeting online validation?
Data Deluge vs. Strategic Insights: Businesses are swimming in data. But data without context is meaningless. True Detective detectives sift through mountains of clues to find the truth. Are we analyzing data strategically to uncover actionable insights? Are we asking the questions that reveal trends, customer behavior, and opportunities for growth?
Innovation vs. Blind Spots: The pressure to innovate can lead to overlooking existing problems. In True Detective, characters become fixated on the next big case, missing crucial details. Are we so focused on the next big thing that we're neglecting to address current customer pain points or internal inefficiencies? Are we asking the questions that identify areas for improvement within our existing processes?
The Power of Inquiry
Just like True Detective doesn't offer easy answers, this isn't a blame game. However, it's a call to action. By fostering a culture of inquiry, we can navigate the complexities of modern business. Here are some ways to ask better questions:
Challenge Assumptions: Don't take the status quo for granted. Ask "why" and "how" to identify potential flaws in existing processes.
Embrace Diverse Perspectives: Encourage open communication and diverse viewpoints. True Detective detectives uncover the truth through collaboration. The best questions often come from different angles.
Focus on "Why" before "How": Before jumping to solutions, dig deeper into the root cause of problems. Ask "why" is this happening, and "why" are things done this way?
The Takeaway
True Detective may be a work of fiction, but its exploration of questioning has real-world applications. By incorporating a culture of inquiry, businesses can become more innovative, efficient, and customer-centric. So, the next time you're faced with a challenge, remember: the right questions can be the key to unlocking success.
