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Words mean things
The question was asked with no context. On the surface, it was a simple question. In fact when I present it to you, you will likely have an answer within seconds.
I have a hard time answering directly. I like to think and turn things over. So when challenged with the question my analytical brain immediately kicked in with, what about, what if, yeah but, how about and it depends. I resisted the direct nature of the question. It was a simple enough ask.
“Put these three words in order”, he said.
I couldn’t do it. This bothered my colleague and it wasn’t the first time I had not answered in the way he wanted.
“Just answer the question!” he said.
I continued to pontificate on what was really being asked. I finally caved and gave an answer that was predicated on my understanding of what the words meant. We debated and I walked away never coming to terms on what the terms meant or why it was important.
The challenge
The challenge for me came not in the question, but in understanding the question.
