Yesterday I was the host of a nice event where the central theme was dilemma’s. It was particularly nice to be able to listen to the amazing keynote of Fons Trompenaars. I fully understand why he was awarded recently as one of the world’s most influential management thinkers. His whole keynote was about dilemma’s, culture and entrepreneurship. It is rare to meet this kind of speaker that has the right rhythm and the right dose of humor in a keynote. It was not only inspirational but also motivating and really engaging. I was happy the director of the show warned me in my in-ear in time that it was almost my time again to hit the stage as I was really into his story with real life examples.
Here are some of my thoughts on dilemma’s also linked to my last book 10 quintessential questions about the importance of asking the right questions.
Dilemmas are an inevitable part of life. Whether in our personal relationships, careers, or everyday decision-making, we all face situations where choosing the right path feels impossible. But here’s the thing: dilemmas aren’t just about the choices in front of us; they’re about the questions we ask ourselves in those moments of uncertainty.
At the heart of every dilemma is a set of conflicting values, desires, or needs. Should I choose safety or take a risk? Should I prioritize my career or my family? These tough choices can leave us feeling stuck, but what many people overlook is that asking the right questions can be the key to finding clarity.
When faced with a dilemma, it’s easy to focus on the immediate options, but the real insight comes when we dig deeper and question our motivations, values, and long-term goals. Instead of asking, “Which option is easier?” we should ask, “Which option aligns with my values?” or “How will this decision impact my future?”
The beauty of dilemmas is that they push us to reflect more deeply on what matters most. They invite us to reframe our thinking and see the situation from different angles. The right questions can shift our perspective from feeling stuck between two bad options to recognizing an opportunity for growth or transformation.
In a world where certainty is rare, asking the right questions allows us to approach dilemmas with more confidence, creativity, and clarity.
So next time you face a tough choice, remember: the right question might be the answer. And every answer deserves a quintessential question.
