The Power of Why
Curiosity is the secret weapon that fuels innovation, uncovers hidden inefficiencies, and drives strategic thinking.
In today’s accelerated business pace, decisions must be made quicker than ever.
I find that the most impactful decisions come from leaders who are not afraid to question the norm.
When Steve Jobs asked why computers were so boring and complicated, he challenged the status quo and sparked the birth of user-friendly design at Apple.
Similarly, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, transformed the company’s culture by encouraging a growth mindset, rooted in curiosity and the constant pursuit of “why.”
Under his leadership, Microsoft pivoted from a struggling giant to a leading force in cloud computing by solving operational inefficiencies and nurturing innovation.
By simply asking “why,” business leaders can move beyond surface-level solutions to discover transformative opportunities.
I was a curious child…
I understand this better than most. From my beginnings as a curious child who relentlessly asked “why” to my role as a research scientist breaking boundaries in Clinical Diagnostics, curiosity has always been my guiding light.
Today, as a solution architect, I leverage that same curiosity to design operational systems that align technology with my clients' business goals and solve business challenges.
This blog explores how embracing a questioning mindset – by asking “why” – can lead to better business decisions, drive innovation, and uncover operational inefficiencies.
I’ll also share insights drawn from my career journey and real-world examples, including Microsoft’s transformation under Satya Nadella.
The Curiosity Mindset: A Powerful Business Tool
Identifying Hidden Problems
Curiosity in business is more than just wanting to know how things work; it’s about challenging the status quo.
It involves questioning assumptions, seeking deeper insights, and being open to new perspectives.
Operational Inefficiencies are often hidden within routine processes and long-standing traditions.
Teams might follow outdated procedures simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.” By asking “why,” leaders can expose these business inefficiencies and eliminate redundant steps.
Leaders with a questioning mindset don’t just accept things as they are, but they ask why they can’t be better. This approach helps them identify hidden opportunities and make more informed decisions, effectively tackling small business challenges.
It nurtures an environment where creativity thrives and innovative ideas are born. In an era where adaptability is crucial, a questioning mindset equips businesses with the agility to navigate change and seize emerging opportunities.
The Role of Curiosity in Problem-Solving
Asking “why” isn’t about skepticism, but about exploration. When businesses face challenges, the quickest solutions often address symptoms rather than causes.
A curious leader digs deeper.
By repeatedly asking “why,” they reveal underlying issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. This leads to more effective, long-term solutions.
For instance, when a company faces declining sales, the obvious reaction might be to increase marketing efforts.
However, a curious leader would ask:
Why are sales declining?
Is it due to customer dissatisfaction, outdated products, or new competition?
By investigating the root cause, they can create a more strategic and impactful solution.
To illustrate, during my time as a research scientist, I faced a complex problem: how to detect bacterial infections in space.
Most would have accepted existing solutions, but my relentless curiosity led me to question every step of the process.
Why were current methods ineffective in microgravity?
Why couldn’t diagnostics be more efficient and portable?
My work with the space shuttle project wasn’t just about product development; it was about challenging the limits of what was possible.
By questioning industry norms, I helped create a diagnostic tool that defied gravity - literally. This curiosity-driven innovation showcased how challenging assumptions can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs.
My commitment to understanding “why” resulted in an innovative product that defied industry standards and was even launched into space.
“Innovation is born from the interaction between constraint and vision.” Marissa Mayer
Today, I still use those techniques to help clients rethink processes to become more efficient.
Uncovering Inefficiencies Through ‘Why’
Identifying Hidden Problems:
Operational inefficiencies are often camouflaged within routine processes and long-standing traditions.
Teams might follow outdated procedures simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.” By asking “why,” leaders can expose these hidden inefficiencies and eliminate redundant steps.
The 5 Whys Technique
Popularized by Toyota’s founder, Sakichi Toyoda, the 5 Whys technique involves asking “why” five times to get to the root cause of a problem.
This method peels away the layers of symptoms to reveal the core issue.
Let’s look at some practical uses for the technique.
Project-Oriented Manufacturing: Uncovering Operational Inefficiencies with Curiosity
In project-oriented manufacturing, where production schedules are highly customized and variable, maintaining an efficient supply chain is crucial yet challenging.
A mid-sized manufacturer specializing in custom machinery experienced frequent delays due to inventory shortages and overstocking. These issues impacted project timelines and led to increased operational costs.
How Curiosity Sparked Discovery
The Operations Manager, known for his curiosity-driven leadership style, began questioning the root cause of these supply chain disruptions.
Instead of merely addressing the symptoms by ordering more inventory or adjusting production schedules, he asked a series of “why” questions:
Why are we frequently running out of critical components?
Why are some materials overstocked while others are consistently short?
Why do lead times vary so drastically, even for the same supplier?
The 5 Whys in Action
1. Why are we running out of critical components?
Because purchase orders are delayed.
2. Why are purchase orders delayed?
Because inventory levels are checked manually and inconsistently.
3. Why is inventory checked manually?
Because there is no integrated inventory management system.
4. Why is there no integrated system?
Because the existing ERP system was never fully implemented for inventory tracking.
5. Why wasn’t it implemented?
Because the team was unaware of its capabilities and relied on outdated methods.
Curiosity-Driven Solution: Automated Inventory Management
The Operations Manager realized the root cause wasn’t merely supply chain variability but a lack of automation and visibility into inventory levels.
With this insight, he championed the implementation of an automated inventory management system integrated with Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Dynamics 365 Business Central provided:
Real-time inventory tracking to monitor stock levels across multiple warehouses.
Automated reordering based on historical usage patterns and project timelines.
Enhanced supply chain visibility, allowing better coordination with suppliers to reduce lead times.
The Impact: From Inefficiency to Productivity
By implementing this curiosity-driven solution, the manufacturer achieved:
A reduction in inventory holding costs by maintaining optimal stock levels.
A decrease in project delays caused by material shortages.
An increase in productivity, as teams no longer waited for critical components.
Lesson Learned: Curiosity as a Competitive Advantage
This example illustrates how curiosity, paired with strategic questioning, can reveal operational inefficiencies that traditional problem-solving methods might overlook.
By asking the right “why” questions and challenging existing processes, the manufacturer not only solved immediate supply chain issues but also gained a competitive advantage through enhanced operational efficiency and agility.
Case in Point: Microsoft’s Cultural Shift
When Satya Nadella became CEO of Microsoft, he asked a powerful question: “Why is Microsoft losing its innovative edge?”
The initial assumption was competition, but by digging deeper, Nadella discovered the root cause was a stagnant, risk-averse culture.
He implemented a growth mindset, encouraging teams to experiment, fail, learn, and iterate.
This cultural shift led to breakthroughs in Microsoft Teams and Azure cloud services, transforming Microsoft into a leader in cloud computing.
Challenging Assumptions in Business Central ERP
I’ve applied this questioning mindset when designing operational systems for Dynamics 365 Business Central.
I don’t just build solutions - I question every assumption behind them. By continually asking “why,” I ensure my systems are efficient, effective, and innovative.
Breaking Conventional Thinking - Challenging the Status Quo
Innovation rarely happens within the boundaries of conventional thinking.
By questioning industry norms and established processes, businesses can discover groundbreaking ideas.
Curiosity invites fresh perspectives and encourages creative problem-solving.
Turning Assumptions into Opportunities
Every assumption is an opportunity in disguise.
When Netflix asked “why” people had to go to a store or wait for DVDs by mail, they challenged the rental model and pioneered streaming services.
Similarly, Microsoft’s decision to shift from a software licensing model to cloud-based subscriptions emerged from questioning traditional revenue streams.
Driving Better Business Decisions with Curiosity
Curiosity as a Decision-Making Tool
Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions.
It’s about making better decisions.
By challenging assumptions, seeking deeper insights, and exploring alternatives, curious leaders can make more informed and strategic choices.
This mindset reduces risks and uncovers new opportunities.
Turning Assumptions into Opportunities
Every assumption is an opportunity in disguise.
When Netflix asked “why” people had to wait for DVDs by mail, they challenged the rental model and pioneered streaming services.
Similarly, Microsoft’s decision to shift from a software licensing model to cloud-based subscriptions emerged from questioning traditional revenue streams.
Applying Curiosity in Dynamics 365 Business Central
As a solution architect, I leverage curiosity to bridge business needs with technology.
I don’t just provide solutions - I first ask “why” to fully understand my clients’ challenges.
This approach ensures that every system design is aligned with strategic business goals and works seamlessly in Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Final Thoughts
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.” Albert Einstein
Curiosity isn’t just a trait – it’s a strategic tool. By asking “why,” businesses can:
Uncover operational inefficiencies by identifying root causes.
Drive innovation by challenging the status quo.
Make better decisions by questioning assumptions.
What inefficiency in your business could be uncovered by asking ‘why’ today? The next big opportunity might be hiding just beneath the surface.
About the Author
Terri Marello, President of Key Partner Solutions, is a thought leader in the Microsoft Dynamics space and the author of the LinkedIn newsletter "Why Ask Why?", where she explores the intersection of technology and business strategy. Subscribe now for more insights straight to your inbox.
Key Partner Solutions is an experienced Microsoft VAR with the in-house skills to optimize your business and smoothly migrate to cloud-based Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.