Are you knowledgeable enough about your job? Consider this important tip. Ask the right questions at work. As a result, you will avoid two kinds of mistakes. First, assuming that you already know all the answers, when you really don’t. Second, feeling too insecure to ask for guidance, even when you know you don’t have all the answers.
This complements our discussion on Interview Mistakes to Avoid.
Be Well-Informed: Ask the Right Questions at Work
Follow this practice. In reality, it takes a smart person to ask questions, rather than act as if he or she knows all the answers. Doing it right is more vital than disguising your lack of knowledge. During our careers, we must strive to avoid unforced errors.
For good advice, read these observations by Barbara Davidson for NetCredit. Then, peruse the infographic below:
Sitting around quietly knowing nothing is not a very smart way to progress. And neither is hiding your ignorance from your colleagues and boss. Asking questions not only improves your creative thinking, but it demonstrates your listening and comprehension skills. It shows that you are engaged and eager to learn.
Asking any old questions won’t do, though. Asking a great question is as much an art as giving a great speech. To improve your question-asking prowess, first apply the standard ‘question’ words to your own inquiry. Ask yourself the Who, What, Why, When, and How of your question before you deliver it.
We put together a guide to crafting the most effective, impressive questions to ask at work. And included examples of the top queries to try. Learn these principles well and you’re sure to get more satisfying answers when talking with your colleagues and clients.
