What if?

What if?

It may be the most beautiful two word question that ever existed.

What if?

It implies that something might be possible even though it is likely very unexpected or previously undiscovered.

What if...

Anything that follows those two words is automatically being set up to allow for open discovery beyond what would normally be acceptable.

When I’m doing brainstorming and product sessions, I know we are on the right track when this question comes up. By its nature it is asking a question that is seeking extraordinary answers. Even if the answers that follow are total nonsense or even a resounding “no” it still starts to invoke some magic into the discussion.

Oh, and if the response is ever a resounding “no” to a what if question, you better be prepared for a “why not?”