Beyond The Obvious
Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation
Most companies teach their teams to ask the wrong questions about innovation—or no questions at all. This book fixes that.
Beyond the Obvious shares the question-driven framework I developed during my years as HP's CTO—the same approach that helped teams I led earn recognition among Fast Company's "50 Most Innovative."
The core of the book is the FIRE Method:
Focus — Zero in on what actually matters
Ideation — Generate ideas by questioning assumptions
Rank — Decide which ideas deserve resources
Execution — Turn ideas into reality using constraints as fuel
Inside, you'll find 40+ questions I've carried on note cards throughout my career. They're designed to challenge conventional thinking, surface hidden opportunities, and unlock ideas you didn't know you had.
This isn't theory. It's what actually works.
Available in hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook.
What People Say
"Phil McKinney's killer questions and hit-the-spot anecdotes provide a great way to get out in front of opportunities we otherwise won't see."
— Geoffrey Moore, author of Crossing the Chasm
"Many assumptions about our business ultimately turn out to be wrong. Phil arms readers with the skills to ask razor-sharp questions that lead to better ideas."
— Wendell P. Weeks, Chairman and CEO, Corning
"Valuable and ready for immediate use."
— Kirkus Reviews
Translations
Beyond the Obvious has been translated into Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian.
272 pages | Published by Hachette | ISBN: 978-1-4013-2446-9
100% of author royalties are donated to charity.
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