I’m a big fan of data-driven decision making. And data means data collection–which means asking smart questions of your employees, prospects, customers, and other key stakeholders.

Ask the right questions and you get useful information that you can put into action to boost your business. Ask the wrong ones, and you could end up with New Coke.

I snapped this picture at the gym the other day. I think it’s the wrong question. People may sign up to get in shape for their significant other, spouse, or kids, but they won’t hang around long if the impetus is external. Perhaps a better question for a gym to ask might be: What’s Your Motivation to Work Out Today?

Are you asking the right questions in your business?