How Might We Questions

What Are How Might We Questions?

How Might We Questions

"How Might We?" questions are open-ended questions designed to encourage problem-solving by framing challenges as opportunities.

Definition

Daniel Wirtz

Co-Founder, Facilitator School

Last updated

June 14, 2024

'How Might We?' questions help teams shift their perspective from problem-oriented to solution-focused thinking, encouraging an open-minded approach to tackling challenges. By asking 'How might we...?', you naturally set a tone of collaboration and curiosity, essential ingredients for effectively brainstorming and exploring innovative solutions.

The beauty of these questions comes from their open-ended structure, which invites a wide variety of answers and stimulates creative thinking. This approach is particularly useful in diverse teams where each member brings different expertise and viewpoints to the table. Utilizing 'How Might We?' questions in meetings or workshops catalyzes a dynamic dialogue and keeps the group engaged.

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How Might We Questions

Why should you use "How Might We?" questions?

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Utilizing 'How Might We?' questions in your workshop or meeting is pivotal because it fosters a positive, open-ended brainstorming environment. These questions encourage participants to think creatively and collaboratively. By focusing on possibilities rather than limitations, 'How Might We?' questions propel the team towards innovative solutions and maintain high levels of engagement throughout the problem-solving process.

When should you use "How Might We?" questions?

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You should use 'How Might We?' questions whenever you face complex challenges or when you're in the ideation phase of a project. They are particularly effective during brainstorming sessions or strategic planning meetings. Whether you’re aiming to innovate new products, improve service offerings, or overcome operational challenges, these questions help to unlock a wealth of creative ideas and ensure that all team members have a voice in the process.

How can you create the most effective "How Might We?" questions?

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To create effective 'How Might We?' questions, focus on keeping them broad enough to inspire creative thinking, yet directed enough to maintain relevance to the topic at hand. Begin with the phrase 'How might we', and follow it with a challenge that is significant to your team or project.

Ensure the questions are free from bias and open-ended to invite diverse perspectives and solutions. It’s helpful to perform a brainstorming session solely dedicated to formulating these types of questions.

What are some examples of "How Might We?" questions?

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Examples of 'How Might We?' questions that could kickstart your next brainstorming session include:

'How might we improve our client onboarding process to enhance satisfaction?'
'How might we reduce waste in our production line while maintaining quality?'
'How might we use feedback from our last retrospective to improve team collaboration?'.

These questions are designed to open up discussions that lead to effective and innovative solutions.