Here is today's quick question for you...How do we balance creative exploration with strategic focus?

Innovation teams live perpetually in tension between possibility and practicality. The creative energy that generates breakthrough ideas can also lead down fascinating rabbit holes that, while intellectually interesting, serve no one. The challenge isn't choosing between strategy and creativity. It’s finding a way to harness the power of both at the same time.

Ask it when you're...

1. Justifying your creative efforts - When stakeholders question your team's "fun" projects, it's time to examine whether you're communicating the strategic value of exploration.

2. Finding brilliant ideas go nowhere - If your team is ‘all ideas, no execution’.

3. Priorities are unclear - When every creative pursuit feels equally valid, but resources are constrained.

Quick Question: How clear is our purpose?

Ask it when you're...

1. Starting a new venture  - Purpose is your magnet to attract investors, customers and team members. It’s often the reason people join you - and the reason why they stay, even when things aren’t going so well.

2. Making decisions - Purpose forms the roots from which your company grows. It creates guardrails for your biggest and your smallest decisions.

3. Sensing confusion or tension within your team  - If your purpose isn’t precise, aspirational, credible and perceived as important, your team will find it tough to align their behaviours with the company values.

   For more information about the impact of purpose on your team’s success, check out my free ebook, Scaling Teams.

Quick Question: Why does our team exist?

Ask it when you're...

1. Kicking off a planning cycle  - It might be your 5-year strategy, an annual plan or even a quarterly update.

2. Onboarding a new team member - Give your newest recruit a head start by initiating a conversation with the entire team about what you’re all about and how they fit in.

3. Facing resistance from internal stakeholders.

Quick Question: What is holding us back?

As a leader, it’s easy to default to defensive mode when asking about what is stopping progress. But that isn’t helpful. Try not to take the answers personally. Focus on the role you can play in removing the blockages and enabling your team to move forward and deliver outcomes.

Quick Question: What would have to be true...?

This question is, in essence, a test of believability. It can be divided into two parts: what I would have to believe and how likely I am to believe it. 

It is helpful for leaders developing strategy, hiring new team members and challenging decision making.