Being skeptical—questioning, investigating, and processing new information—requires effort, in fact, more than most people are willing to put in.
This is why top performers, in any discipline, tend to be more inquisitive and skeptical of what they’re seeing and hearing. They want to know more and confirm truths. They want to test ideas, models, and stories.
Healthy skepticism is good because it searches for untested assumptions, faulty logic, and sloppy execution. When done right, being skeptical drives superior results.
Here’s why. If the answers all truly add up—and they never do—you’ve got nothing to talk about. Nothing to improve. The status quo wins.
Skeptics simply point out the obvious: there’s always more that can be learned—and done to improve a situation or outcome.
Alternative perspectives are what drive new ideas, new solutions, and new markets. Here are a few ways to turn common meatball questions into more valuable insights:
What business are we really in? Is our model sound? What adjustments or adjacencies could take it to another level or open new opportunities?
How do we make money? Are there other/better ways to price, bill, buy, and make money? Are there looming threats to cash flow? What can we control and what is beyond our control?
Do we have the right people? Who should really be on the team? Have we enlisted the right stakeholders? Who else do we need?
Question everything. All the time.
The next bigger and better idea is out there. But you won’t find without some healthy skepticism.
Have a great week-
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