Critical thinking starts with asking the right question, often called the issue. An issue is the heart of the problem – the thing you really need to figure out. If you don’t get the question right, you might spend time solving the wrong problem!
Imagine this:
You’re baking a cake, and it doesn’t rise. You could ask, “What’s wrong with this recipe?” But the real question might be, “Did I forget the baking powder?” Asking the right question focuses your energy on finding the best solution.
In critical thinking, issue means identifying the question that matters most.
Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the situation. What’s happening right now?
- Think about your goal. What are you trying to achieve?
- Combine these to form a clear question.
For example, instead of asking, “Why are sales down?” ask, “Why did our best-selling product stop attracting customers?”
Why It Matters
When you focus on the right issue:
- You Save Time: Solve what really needs solving.
- You Find Better Solutions: The right question opens the door to creative answers.
- You Communicate Clearly: It’s easier to explain and solve problems when the question makes sense.
Asking the right question is like aiming a flashlight in the dark – it shows you the way forward. Without it, you might end up lost or working on something that doesn’t matter.
Homework
Think about something you’re trying to solve. Write down the first question that comes to mind. Then, pause and ask:
- “Is this really the question I need to answer?”
- “What’s the bigger picture?”
- “How can I make this question more specific?”
Try it out and let me know in the comments – what was your original question, and how did you improve it?
