We live in a complex world. The way mankind has evolved, even the most ordinary kind of living requires a mind-boggling array of skills, aptitude and the will power to survive. And after receiving modern education, keeping things simple is below the dignity of our degree-laden, convocation-enabled, snooty-snobbish egos.

So it is such a pleasure to learn from kids! They are not yet totally corrupted by the formal education system, and when required to take decisions, they keep it simple. Really simple.

My recurrent experiences with my son on this front have been eye-opening. I will particularly refer to the occasions when we watch a movie together, especially when he joins in later.

The first question inevitably is, “Daddy, who are the good guys, and who are the bad guys?” (Inmey sey acchha aadmi kaun hai aur gandaa aadmi kaun hai?)

Wonderful! Cut to the core. Death to all nonsense and greys. Endgame, right at the beginning! By asking this simple, straight and absolutely precise question, the kid is focussing on what really matters. Forget the bells-and-whistles, just tell me, who is the good guy (whom I should be cheering) and who is the bad guy (who should I curse).

Would a grown-up ever ask such a question (to another grown-up)? A typical question may be, “What’s the plot of the film? What’s happening?” Now these are rather broader, more abstract questions that cannot attract simple, precise answers, and inevitably will lead to more complex treatment. Philosophically, this may sound interesting, but from a business perspective, it’s fairly lethal. And it is this habit that most of us carry to the workplace. Instead of asking the most important questions simply, we ask the most inane questions in the most complex manner.

Dr Peter F Drucker wonderfully developed this art of “Asking the right questions” during all his professional life. In some of his most prolific sessions with the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, he would never proffer any sagacious advice, but would just ask questions. And would stun everyone by their simplicity. The CEOs would scurry for answers, largely unprepared. Some of these gems are,

Define your business – and in 30 seconds please.

What is your biggest strength?

What are your top 3 strengths?

Who is your biggest competitor? Why? And in 30 seconds please.

Given a second chance, which decisions of the past 10 years would you take again?

Who are your customers?

Why should they buy from you?

Notice the sheer beauty of these hard-hitting googlies. They are shorn of all frills, and leave no egos un-battered. You have to really cut to the core.

I feel a lot of us might want to use Dr Drucker’s approach in our daily lives. Faced with tough situations, we must ask simple questions. And seek out simple solutions. Simplicity truly is a virtue.