Tier 4

aq - Assume Question

Assume Question

Input: $ARGUMENTS

Core Move

Take a question and assume it is the right question. Not a question — THE question. The one whose answer would actually move things forward. Then examine whether that’s true.

Often the real problem isn’t a bad answer — it’s a bad question. This skill tests whether you’re asking the right one.

Procedure

Step 1: State the Question

What question are we assuming is the right one?

Step 2: Force the Assumption

“This is the most important question to answer. Answering it correctly will resolve the situation.”

Step 3: Trace Implications

If this is the right question:

  1. What does answering it give us? — What decision or action becomes clear?
  2. What does it presuppose? — Every question carries hidden assumptions. What must be true for this question to be meaningful?
  3. What questions does it foreclose? — By asking THIS, what are we NOT asking? What alternatives get ignored?
  4. Who framed this question? — Questions are never neutral. Whose perspective does this reflect?
  5. What would each possible answer mean? — Map the answer space. What follows from answer A vs. B vs. C?
  6. Is the answer actionable? — If we got a perfect answer, could we actually do something with it?

Step 4: Test the Assumption

  • Is there a BETTER question whose answer would be more useful?
  • Are we asking this because it’s important, or because it’s answerable?
  • Does this question address root cause or surface symptoms?
  • Would a different stakeholder ask a different question? Should they?

Step 5: Synthesize

QUESTION: [stated]
ASSUMING IT'S THE RIGHT QUESTION:
  Answering gives us: [what becomes clear]
  Presupposes: [hidden assumptions]
  Forecloses: [questions not being asked]
  Answer space: [possible answers and their implications]
IS IT THE RIGHT QUESTION?: [yes/no/partially]
BETTER QUESTION?: [if one emerged]

When to Use

  • Suspect you’re solving the wrong problem because you’re asking the wrong question
  • Want to audit the framing before investing in answers
  • Multiple stakeholders are asking different questions about the same situation

Integration

  • Follow with /rqg to generate better questions
  • Use /reframe if the question needs restructuring
  • Pair with /aprob to test whether the implied problem is real