Smart thinkers share a habit that often goes unnoticed: they ask the right questions. This simple skill can transform how problems are solved, how teams work together, and how leaders inspire. Knowing what question to ask—and when—is crucial in a world full of complex challenges.
Today, many feel pressured to rush decisions and avoid appearing uncertain by asking questions. However, research and expert advice show that curiosity and asking the right questions build intelligence, trust, and better outcomes. So, what is the one question the smartest people always ask?
What is the simple question that smartest people always ask?
Albert Einstein, one of history’s greatest minds, believed that solving any problem begins with finding the proper question. “What do you think you should do?” it’s a simple but profound question that encourages reflection and shifts responsibility to the person facing the difficulty.
Bill Murphy Jr., founder of Understandably.com, points out that this question turns you into a sounding board rather than the ultimate problem solver, which fosters emotional intelligence and deeper insight.
Contrary to a common fear that asking questions makes you seem insecure or unprepared, experts argue the opposite. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, an organizational psychologist, explains that asking questions actually makes people appear smarter and more confident. Admitting what you don’t know and inviting input strengthens your reputation and helps you grow.
Scott Shigeoka, author of Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World, advises becoming an “admitter”—someone willing to acknowledge mistakes or gaps in knowledge. This mindset makes it easier to ask “Tell me more” instead of brushing off uncertainties. Curiosity becomes a habit that fuels learning and progress.
Why asking many questions leads to success
Effective leadership depends on asking not just one, but many thoughtful questions. Yonason Goldson highlights three questions leaders ask themselves to inspire action: “What needs to be done?”, “What can be done?”, and “How much can I do?” These questions encourage ethical decision-making by focusing on what is right, not just what’s legal or convenient.
When building a team, asking the right questions helps identify people with the curiosity, passion, and resilience needed to innovate. Constantine Andriopoulos, an innovation professor, advises looking for collaborators who show these traits and framing each quality as a question during the vetting process.
Hal Gregersen, former director of the MIT Leadership Center, recommends “question storming”—the practice of generating a large number of questions, sometimes up to 50, about a problem. Most people stall halfway, but pushing further often uncovers the most insightful questions that lead to effective solutions.
Besides asking questions yourself, it’s important to welcome questions from others. Natalie Nixon points out the value of “creative abrasion,” a concept describing how friction from differing perspectives can spark innovation. While many avoid conflict, Nixon encourages embracing this energy as a positive force in collaboration.
In the end, mastering the art of asking questions—starting with “What do you think you should do?”—builds smarter decisions, better teamwork, and stronger leadership. Embracing curiosity and encouraging open dialogue create space for growth and breakthrough thinking.