Use Inquiry as Your Best Tool

Peter Senge popularised the idea of inquiry over advocacy in the early 90’s in The Fifth Discipline. The principle said simply is through inquiry you open up possibility thinking. When in possibility thinking, knowledge flows in its direction. Qualitative research and the scientific method builds itself on this principle. The creative process and Art rests on the shoulders of worthy inquiry. Natural law and the universal field is herself the embodiment of worthy inquiry as she awaits, an open and willing vessel, through which to express and process evolution.

The outdated architectures of business and those of fundamentalism run counter to worthy inquiry opting for a less natural, anti-evolutionary model upon which people curiously attempt to produce results.

Usability, product development, agile (pure form), outcome-based strategy, iterating etc. all rely on inquiry and the worthy work of holding your opinion (e.g. ego) in suspension to allow knowledge to flow and naturally emerge insights, information, and unforeseen outcomes so they can be leveraged and perhaps (consciously) capitalised on to move the world more deeply toward her evolutionary progress.

Become an exceptional question asker. Learn to suspend judgment. Structure with tools and practices that provide rigor, but are also designed with openness and the ability to pivot as your baseline. Allow words and language to be like listening to music (some music you like, some you don’t) rather than definition of your personhood or plan. Hear into, behind, and underneath the words that are now akin to music and so you can open up analytical spaces that don’t have your ego quite as situated at their center.

Advocate once you have enough knowledge and information. Prior to that, make inquiry and stellar questions your leadership wand of choice.