Problem-solving by Asking Why
Instead of always accepting someone’s answer or a team’s decision, ask them why.
They may be:
Receiving incorrect information
Interpreting the correct information incorrectly
Only by asking “why” do you understand why they made the decision they did. Then, you’re able to propose new information or interpretations of the situation. This way you’re also not assuming you know their decision criteria.
As always, please ask and discuss their thinking respectfully and assume positive intent, giving them grace and patience along the way.
This strategy is a simpler form of first principles thinking. Many have written about Elon Musk’s leverage of First Principle’s thinking. James Clear’s overview is a good place to start.