Ask Yourself: The Socratic Method in Small Business

In the bustling world of our small town, where every handshake and conversation counts, the challenges faced by our small business owners can feel uniquely personal. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, tackling problems with the same old methods. What if there was a different way? What if the key to unlocking new solutions wasn't about finding a new tool or a new customer—it was learning to ask better questions?

This week let's talk about the Socratic method, an effective technique of cooperative argumentative dialogue. Named after the Greek philosopher Socrates, it's a process of asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and uncover new ideas. The dialogue seeks to collaboratively explore a problem to find a deeper, more accurate understanding.

How it Works

Think of a common business challenge. Maybe sales are down, a new competitor has arrived, or a team member isn't performing. Instead of just jumping to a solution, a Socratic dialogue begins with a series of questions. The goal is to challenge assumptions and expose contradictions.

For example, if sales are down, instead of immediately launching a discount promotion, you might ask:

• "What are our customers' core needs that we are currently meeting or failing to meet?"
• "What assumptions are we making about why customers are buying from our competitor?"
• "What would success look like if we didn't just focus on sales numbers?"
• "What are the consequences of taking no action at all?"

These questions aren't looking for a "yes" or "no" answer. They're designed to make you and your team think more deeply about the problem. By doing so, you move from a superficial understanding to a more profound one. You might discover that the real issue isn't pricing, but a change in customer demographics or a shift in their values.

Overcoming Challenges with Dialogue

Applying this method can transform how you handle many business challenges:

1. Innovation and Problem-Solving: Stuck in a rut? A Socratic approach can help you brainstorm new ideas by challenging conventional wisdom. By asking questions like, "Why have we always done it this way?" you can discover new possibilities.
2. Team Collaboration: When a team is at odds over a decision, Socratic dialogue can move the conversation from a debate to a joint inquiry. By collectively exploring the pros and cons of each option through a series of questions, the team can reach a consensus that everyone understands and supports. It fosters a culture of curiosity and mutual respect.
3. Customer Relationships: Instead of just trying to sell a product, use Socratic questions to understand your customers better. "What are the biggest challenges you're facing today?" or "How could our service make your visit to our town more memorable?" This approach shows you care about their needs, not just their wallet, building stronger relationships.

In many ways, our small/micro businesses are central to many aspects we cherish about our community. By embracing a little Socratic wisdom, we can move beyond simply solving problems and start building a deeper, more thoughtful, and more resilient future. So, the next time you face a challenge, don't just look for an answer. Ask yourself a better question. 

Writing this column makes me wonder… What additional services should our Chamber implement to provide more value to our members and greater community? What can the Chamber do more of or less of to build stronger relationships with our members?