The “What Might We…?” technique is a simple yet powerful tool. The idea behind the technique is to ask open-ended “What Might We…?” questions to generate creative and innovative ideas.

This technique is effective because it encourages people to think outside the box and to explore possibilities they may not have considered. Starting with “What Might We…?” creates space for something new and different to emerge. It can also be helpful in breaking down barriers and assumptions that may limit creativity and curiosity.

For example, in a business context, you might ask: What might we do to increase customer retention? This open-ended question invites a wide range of possible solutions and encourages brainstorming. Some possible follow-up questions might include:

  • What might we do to improve our product or service offerings?
  • What might we do to better understand customer needs?, and
  • What might we do to incentivise repeat business?

Questions in the Image:

  • What might we…?
  • What might we use this technique for?

Nurturing Curiosity – Daily Practice: This is part of the Nurturing Curiosity series of tools, insights and questions designed to help nurture curiosity as part of our daily practice. In point of fact, every interaction we have is an opportunity to question what we are observing and how we and others are seeing the world. Also remember that questions come in many forms throughout our day – What might we missing? actually comes to mind in terms of the forms of questions we might not be seeing. So, where do you not see questions during the day?

What Thoughts Would You Like to Share? My name is Tom O’Leary, and I envision a world in which curiosity shapes leadership. In this world, leaders aren’t boxed in by traditional thinking or established playbooks. They are open to fresh ideas and diverse perspectives, fostering a culture of exploration and learning. My mission is to shift leadership focus from authority, over-measurement and control to curiosity, learning and innovation, empowering leaders to prioritise the essential. My journey, lived in a number of countries and through various languages, has always been driven by a profound sense of curiosity. In fact, life has taught me that possibility lies not so much in seeking answers but in learning to ask better questions – the ones that help prioritise what is truly essential. I welcome your thoughts, feedback, or personal experiences related to these questions or any insights they may have sparked.