Learn to Think in Color

Why Does It Matter Who Asked the Question? How the source of inquiry shapes the weight and meaning of the answer The question is the spark, but the questioner strikes the match. Not all questions carry the same weight—and not because of the words themselves, but because of who asks them. In business meetings, in classrooms, in political discourse, the identity of the person posing the question can shift its perceived intent, legitimacy, and impact. This post explores why the origin of a question matters and how power, context, and trust shape the answers we give. We’ll examine how the authority, credibility, and intent of the questioner influence not just the response, but the entire direction of inquiry. Imagine being in a meeting where your idea is ignored—until someone more senior echoes it minutes later, and suddenly it’s brilliant. That sting? It’s not just about recognition. It’s about how who says something—or asks something—can completely change how it’s heard. That same dynami...

Who Needs to Hear My Next Idea First, and How Do I Share It So They Care? The hidden dynamics that make or break your next big pitch Every great idea faces a critical moment: who hears it first determines whether it spreads like wildfire or dies in someone’s inbox. But here’s what most advice gets wrong—the “obvious” first listener is often the worst choice. The Counterintuitive Truth About First Listeners Most people pitch up the chain immediately. Big mistake. The person with the most power often has the least patience for unrefined ideas. Instead, your first listener should be someone who can make your idea  bulletproof  before it reaches the decision-maker. Think of it like this: ideas need three things to survive—credibility, champions, and momentum. Your first conversation should build one of these, not demand all three. The Three Types of Strategic First Listeners: The Validator  – Someone who understands the problem intimately and can poke holes in your thinking. ...