Critical Question Mapping

To enhance effective thinking, it's essential to ask the right questions.

Builds on the Question Formulation Technique (Dan Rothstein and Luz Santana, Make Just One Change, 2011) and question brainstorming, from Jon Roland's questorming (1985) to Hal Gregersen's Question Burst (Harvard Business Review, 2018).

What it is for

The purpose of the Critical Question Mapping thinking tool is to enhance effective thinking in problem-solving situations by identifying the most impactful or "perfect" questions. This approach uses the technique of "Question Brainstorming," which is similar to traditional brainstorming but focuses on generating questions rather than ideas. After brainstorming, the tool guides participants in categorizing, prioritizing, and analyzing these questions to determine the most critical ones for their specific situation. By doing so, it aids in uncovering key insights and solutions, steering the problem-solving process toward a more structured and comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.

Why use it

To enhance effective thinking, it's essential to ask the right questions. The goal is to identify the "perfect" questions, but how can you achieve this? The technique of "Question Brainstorming" can help. This method is similar to traditional brainstorming but concentrates on generating questions instead of ideas. After listing all possible questions, choose the top 3 to 4. Then, apply a structured question hierarchy to these selected questions. This process aids in pinpointing the most impactful or "perfect" questions to ask for your specific situation.

How to use it

The question types

• Broad Scope Exploration. Questions that expand the context of the problem, exploring wider implications and overarching themes. These are meant to open up discussion to broader considerations and possibilities.
• Original Question Identification. The central question initiating the problem-solving session. It directly addresses the core issue or challenge and is typically specific and targeted.
• Narrow Scope Focus. Questions that delve into specific aspects or components of the problem. These are detailed inquiries aiming to uncover actionable items, specific challenges, or opportunities within the broader issue.
• Question Impact Analysis. An assessment of how each question could influence the problem-solving process. This involves evaluating the potential outcomes or insights each question may yield and their relevance to the overall goals of the workshop.
• Prioritization of Key Questions. The process of determining which questions are most critical to address. This involves ranking questions based on their potential impact and relevance, focusing on those that are most likely to yield valuable insights or solutions.

The steps

To effectively utilize this thinking tool in a facilitated problem-solving workshop, follow these steps:

1. Initial Engagement and Brainstorming. Introduce the tool's concept and explain the types of questions (for example, Broad Scope Exploration, Original Question Identification). Conduct a brainstorming session focused on generating diverse questions related to the problem, without immediate judgment or dismissal. Encourage participants to ask as many questions as possible without seeking to answer them immediately. Document all questions without filtering.
2. Categorization of Questions. Once a substantial list of questions is generated, group the brainstormed questions into predefined categories for structured analysis as outlined in the thinking tool (for example, Broad Scope Exploration, Narrow Scope Focus, and so on). Eliminate duplicates and streamline the process by focusing on unique, impactful questions. This helps in organizing the questions into meaningful groups for deeper analysis.
3. Prioritization Process. Use criteria like relevance, impact, and urgency to prioritize questions, focusing on those aligning with workshop goals. Facilitate in-depth discussions for each category to refine questions and identify actionable insights. From each category, select the top 3 to 4 questions that seem most relevant, impactful, or critical to addressing the core problem. Utilize the "Prioritization of Key Questions" table for this process. Employ criteria such as relevance, impact, and urgency to prioritize the questions. Focus on questions that align closely with the workshop's goals and objectives.
4. Selection of Key Questions. Utilize the "Prioritization of Key Questions" criteria to identify and agree upon the most critical questions, ensuring a consensus among participants. Organize these key questions in a hierarchical order, progressing from broad to specific topics.
5. Impact Analysis and Discussion. Perform an impact analysis on the selected questions to determine their potential influence on the problem-solving process, focusing on how answers to each question could yield specific outcomes or insights. Facilitate in-depth discussions for each type of question, using this stage not only to refine them but also to identify those most likely to lead to actionable insights.
6. Development of a Hierarchical Question Structure. Apply a structured hierarchy to the selected key questions, starting with broad topics and progressively narrowing down to more specific ones. This approach facilitates a deeper understanding, starting from general concepts and moving toward targeted insights, thereby uncovering root causes and potential solutions to the problem.
7. Identification of the "Perfect" Questions. After applying the hierarchical structure, identify the questions that are most critical to understanding and resolving the problem. These "perfect" questions should be those that, when answered, provide the most significant insights or solutions.
8. Action Plan for Answering Key Questions. Develop a comprehensive plan that details the steps and methodologies (like research, data collection, and expert consultation) necessary to address the key questions. Ensure the plan's alignment with the workshop's objectives and the problem-solving process, with clearly defined responsibilities and established timelines. Proceed with implementing the plan, diligently tracking progress, and systematically collecting information or insights that respond to the key questions.
9. Review and Iteration. Conduct regular reviews of the answers and insights obtained from the key questions, maintaining detailed records of discussions, decisions, and their impact on the problem-solving process. Stay flexible and ready to revise the questioning strategy as new information or changing circumstances arise, ensuring that the approach remains relevant and effective in addressing the problem-solving objectives.
10. Documentation. Keep a detailed record of all questions, discussions, and the rationale behind the selection of key questions. Document the insights and answers obtained, along with the impact on the problem-solving process.
11. Feedback and Closure. At the end of the workshop, consolidate feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of the questioning process. Engage in a discussion to understand how the insights derived from the key questions will shape future strategies and decision-making.

By adhering to these steps, the Critical Question Mapping tool offers a systematic and thorough approach to problem-solving. This method not only deepens understanding of the issue at hand but also guides participants toward actionable solutions. It combines comprehensive analysis with collaborative decision-making, ensuring that strategic planning is both efficient and effective through structured questioning.

Where it fits

The process recommends it at Describing the Situation, the first step of the State phase. Context Clarity Navigator sits beside it there and sorts the situation itself into a problem, an issue, or an opportunity.

Related tools

• Issue Tree (Minto and Rasiel)
• Mom Test (Fitzpatrick)
• Socratic Method (Plato, Paul, and Elder)
• Calibrated Questions (Voss)