At the Creative Education Foundation (CEF) we teach Creative Problem Solving (CPS) which has four stages — Clarify, Ideate, Develop, Implement. The Clarify stage is so important, it has three steps: Explore the Vision; Gather Data; Formulate Challenges.
We live in a very output-oriented world, and as a result we tend to skimp on clarifying and developing ideas in deference to high-energy ideation that drives directly to implementation. But when we have complex challenges, we need to spend more time clarifying.
Asking clarifying questions keeps us curious. It allows us to stay in a growth/creative mindset for longer. And the longer we clarify and gather data, the better equipped we are to generate more possible solutions, and the better equipped we are to create the right solution.
Clarifying also requires listening to others. It requires connection and understanding. In this way, clarifying is respectful, engaged, and helps to build trust. When you feel the urge to rush to solution, give yourself the gift of clarifying and ask more questions. Your fast solution just might become the best solution if you do.