Bennett says that within IDEO, the company recognizes it’s important to create an environment where it’s safe to ask “stupid” questions. “You need to have a culture that engenders trust,” he says. “Part of questioning is about exposing vulnerability—and being okay with vulnerability as a cultural currency.” So at the firm, no question is too basic to ask; and co-workers are encouraged to support and build upon others’ questions, rather than dismissing them or giving pat answers. Bennett says, “We allow people to fall backwards and be caught by one another.”
