Stop Asking “Any Thoughts?”

Ask Better Questions That Spark Real Insight

Have you ever wrapped up a retro or brainstorming session feeling like… nothing really landed?

You asked, “Any thoughts?” and heard crickets. Or you said, “What can we improve?” and got vague answers like “communication” (again). 😵‍💫

Here’s the thing: the problem isn’t your team it’s your questions.

🔍 The Magic of Reframing

Sometimes the best way to get an honest, powerful answer is to stop asking direct questions. Instead, invite your team to step into new shoes, imagine different perspectives, or jump into the future. Why?

Because when we ask:

• “What’s one thing that, if we do it next quarter, would make you feel this team has really improved?” We’re inviting reflection, clarity, and personal stakes.

Or when we ask:

• “If you were the Product Manager, what would you prioritize right now?” We open a door to empathy and critical thinking and sometimes, surprising alignment.

Or even:

• “Imagine we’re presenting this quarter’s work to the CEO. What would you feel proud to highlight?” That simple shift turns passive observation into ownership and celebration.

🧠 Go Beyond the Obvious : Ask These Instead

Here’s a list of powerful questions to try in your next retro or team session, organized by the kind of thinking you want to trigger:

🔄Reframe the Perspective

• If you were the customer, what would frustrate or please you?
• What would you change if you were the Scrum Master for one sprint?
• If you had to pitch our last PI to leadership, what would you say?

🚀Project into the Future

• What’s one thing that, if we nail it next PI, will make you feel we really leveled up?
• It’s six months from now, what do you hope we’ve stopped doing?
• What do you want to be celebrating at the end of the year?

💡Spark Creativity

• What’s a crazy idea we haven’t tried yet but might just work?
• If time and budget were no issue, what would you build or automate tomorrow?
• Which process could we simplify with a sticky note and a good coffee?

🧠Encourage Reflection & Ownership

• What’s one thing you personally want to improve or experiment with next sprint?
• What do you need more of clarity, focus, feedback, trust?
• Where are we overcomplicating things as a team?
• What’s one “tiny win” we could repeat or scale?

💬Build Empathy

• What’s one thing another team might not understand about our work?
• If someone outside joined us today, what would confuse them the most?
• What do you think was the intention behind [a controversial decision]?
• How can we make each other’s work easier, starting tomorrow?

✨ It’s Not About Fancy Formats, It’s About Better Conversations

The way you ask a question shapes the answers you get. Whether you’re in a retro, brainstorming session, or informal check-in, the right question can unlock insight, empathy, and action.

So next time you feel stuck… try asking something unexpected.

You might just be surprised by what your team already knows.