Some of the most powerful tools are simple ones.
Questions, in general, are great tools. But, some are better than others.
If you are ever in an animated debate, specially with more than 2 people, you may have asked the question...
"What PROBLEM are we trying to solve?"
It's such a simple question, we often don't even consider asking it. Especially, if we are committed to the "tastes great", "less filling" shouting match across the conference room table.
Try it. Whip that question out of your tool set, even if the meeting is not animated, and see if you get the same answer, or a similar one, from the stakeholders.
I do believe in the old adage, a well stated problem normally presents the answer.
Be clear on the problem that you are trying to solve, and make sure it's the SAME one that the other people around the table are trying to solve...
Some of the most powerful tools are the simple ones.
Questions uncover the "IS"... the truth... and clear the path toward harmony.
Nestor