Better Questions, Better Results

Why Do People Assign Value to the Process? The journey is where identity, meaning, and mastery are forged.   Framing the Question Why do people assign value to the process—even when the end result is all that others may see? From software engineering to gourmet cooking, it’s not just about what gets made, but how it’s made. The keyword here is  “value the process” , and understanding that value reveals how we grow, persist, and find meaning. This post explores both the  beauty  and the  limits  of process—and how it can either elevate or obscure our purpose. From Assembly Lines to Masterpieces Imagine two cups of coffee. One from a vending machine—quick, convenient, impersonal. The other from a barista who grinds beans, steams milk, and perfects the pour. They may cost the same, but one carries  story, skill, and intention . That’s what the process adds—depth. We value the process because it’s where we demonstrate care, craftsmanship, and commitment. I...

What Drives the Human Fascination with Creating and Solving Puzzles? Unlocking minds: Why we love to challenge ourselves—and others—with puzzles   Why We Puzzle Over Puzzles Humans are hardwired to seek patterns, solve problems, and impose order on chaos—puzzles give us all three. Whether it’s a jigsaw, crossword, logic game, or even a mystery novel, puzzles reflect our curiosity and desire to master uncertainty. In this post, we’ll explore the psychology behind our love of puzzles, how they stimulate our brains, and why both creation and solution offer deep satisfaction. If you’ve ever wondered why solving Wordle feels so good—or why designing an escape room is so satisfying—read on. A Quick Puzzle—and a Clue About Ourselves Imagine you’re handed a riddle: “I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?” Even before you attempt the answer (it’s “an echo”), your brain starts scanning for connections. This instant engagement is ...

How can you develop a mindset that embraces change and uncertainty? Build Mental Agility in a World That Won’t Sit Still Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. Here’s how to shift your perspective so that change becomes a launchpad, not a landmine.   Framing the Question The ability to embrace change and navigate uncertainty is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a  critical life skill . In a fast-paced world where disruption is constant and the future rarely looks like the past, developing a mindset that can flex, adapt, and remain steady amid ambiguity is essential. The keyword here is “mindset.” It’s not about controlling your environment, but cultivating the mental habits and emotional strength to thrive within it. In this post, we’ll explore how to build that mindset through practical strategies, everyday habits, and inspiring real-world models. Why Embracing Change Feels So Hard Our brains are wired for survival, not innovation. Psychologically, we resist change becaus...

What Are the Best Practices for Managing Cross-functional Teams? Collaboration Without Chaos: How to Lead Teams Across Functions Framing the Question:  Cross-functional teams—where members from different departments come together—can be the secret sauce to innovation, but only if managed well. They bring diverse perspectives but also risk miscommunication, misalignment, and friction. So how do you turn potential chaos into high performance? In this post, we’ll unpack the best practices for managing cross-functional teams effectively. If you’re looking to improve cross-department collaboration or are leading such a team, these insights will give you an edge.  (Keyword: managing cross-functional teams) Why Cross-functional Teams Are Both Brilliant and Tricky Cross-functional teams are often built to tackle complex projects that no single department can solve alone. Think of launching a new product: you need marketing, engineering, sales, and customer support all working in sync....

What Impact Does Corporate Social Responsibility Have on Your Business Reputation? Doing Good is Good Business: How CSR Shapes Perception and Builds Trust When a company takes a stand on social and environmental issues, it’s not just making headlines—it’s making a statement about its values. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) isn’t just philanthropy or PR—it’s a strategic lever that directly shapes how customers, employees, and investors perceive your brand. In today’s value-driven marketplace, CSR isn’t optional; it’s your brand’s moral capital. Why Reputation Matters in the CSR Era Your brand isn’t what  you  say it is—it’s what  others  say about you. Reputation is built on trust, consistency, and shared values. CSR initiatives signal that your company is not just profit-driven, but purpose-driven. Why CSR strengthens reputation: It aligns your brand with social values. It boosts customer loyalty—when consumers believe a brand has strong purpose, they are 4–6× ...

What’s More Important, Intelligence or Network? Why Who You Know Can Shape What You Know—And When It Doesn’t  Reframing the Question If you had to choose between being the smartest person in the room or knowing everyone in it, which would you pick? The intelligence versus network debate isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about understanding how value creation works in complex systems. Intelligence represents your capacity to generate insights, solve problems, and adapt to new information. Network represents your ability to access resources, amplify impact, and navigate social systems. But here’s what most analyses miss:  the optimal balance shifts dramatically based on context, timing, and the type of value you’re trying to create. The most successful individuals don’t choose one over the other—they develop what we might call “contextual intelligence”: knowing when to prioritize building connections versus deepening expertise, and recognizing how different types of intel...