Switching questions are a type of questioning technique used in “question thinking” or “inquiry thinking” (introduced by Marilee Adams) that help individuals shift their mindset and perspective in order to find new solutions to problems.

These questions are designed to help individuals move from a negative, closed, or limiting perspective to a more positive, open, or expansive perspective. Switching questions help individuals to consider alternative possibilities and explore new perspectives, challenging their assumptions and biases. Observing one’s thinking and intentionally changing it to change the results shows how much control one has on themselves.

Here are some examples of switching questions:

What if?” questions:

These questions encourage individuals to consider alternative possibilities and explore new perspectives.

For example, “What if we approached this problem from a different angle?”

“How can I?” questions:

These questions encourage individuals to take ownership of finding solutions and identify specific actions they can take.

For example, “How can I approach this situation more proactively?”

“What else?” questions:

These questions encourage individuals to generate more ideas and consider multiple options.

For example, “What else could we do to address this issue?”

“Why not?” questions:

These questions encourage individuals to challenge assumptions and consider new possibilities.

For example, “Why not try a completely different approach to solving this problem?”

“What’s the opposite?” questions:

These questions encourage individuals to consider the opposite of their current assumptions and explore new perspectives.

For example, “What’s the opposite of our current approach, and how might that lead us to new insights?”