---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Since starting my consulting firm in…"
description: "\"“Since starting my consulting firm in 1976, I have learned that there are two key questions that can unlock the knowledge that is waiting to be discove..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/358/steve-epner-101858_business_since-starting-my-consulting-firm-in-197_409983.jpg"
---

#  Since starting my consulting firm in 1976, I have learned…

![“Since starting my consulting firm in 1976, I have learned that there are two key questions that can unlock the knowledge that is waiting to be discovered: • What is the dumbest thing your company is doing? • What is the most difficult or most time-consuming thing your company is doing? Once you…” quote by Steve Epner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/358/steve-epner-101858_business_since-starting-my-consulting-firm-in-197_409983.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/358/steve-epner-101858_business_since-starting-my-consulting-firm-in-197_409983.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/358/steve-epner-101858_business_since-starting-my-consulting-firm-in-197_409983.jpg)

> ““Since starting my consulting firm in 1976, I have learned that there are two key questions that can unlock the knowledge that is waiting to be discovered: • What is the dumbest thing your company is doing? • What is the most difficult or most time-consuming thing your company is doing? Once you open these doors, the company will be able to take advantage of amazing insights and great ideas. As I pointed out in section I, line people know the””

Steve Epner

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Suggests asking two key questions about a company's actions to uncover insights and ideas.

**In simple terms:** Ask what’s dumb and what’s hardest in your company to find insights.

Key Takeaway

Use probing questions for improvement.

Themes

business strategy consulting insight problem solving

Mood

pragmatic inquisitive

Type

Business:1 Consulting:1 Great ideas:0 Starting Consulting:0 Consulting Firm:0 Knowledge Waiting:0 Unlock Knowledge:0

When to use this quote

- team meetings
- strategic planning
- consulting sessions

Key Concepts

organizational analysis innovation process improvement

Questions to Reflect On

- What other questions reveal hidden value?
- How can you act on the insights gained?

A Different Perspective

Questions may oversimplify complex issues.

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[Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Great ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/great-ideas/)

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