If we struggle to know what to put on the exam paper, we’re taught to slow down and reread the question.
However, in life, it’s not quite that simple. We may have an opinion or believe that we know the answer, but do we really know the question?
A family situation is frustrating a friend of mine. To him, the answer appears clear, but the same could be said for the other members of his family – they all believe they know the answer. So, what’s the real question?
The truth is, they don’t know, and that’s because it’s difficult – as many family feuds are – and no one really wants to talk about it.
Recently, Steve Hansen, the Kiwi rugby coach, selected and coached a World XV team. As part of his selection, he picked Isreal Folau. The issues were clear, and so too was Hansen’s approach. Instead of seeking to defend or condone Folau’s actions, he drew attention to the question:
Pick the best XV rugby players in the world and then coach them to win.
That’s it. Leadership is about finding a way forward, and that begins with understanding the question that you are answering because one thing you can be sure of is those you lead all think they know the answer.