While it may seem like a burden or bothersome to ask questions once a strategy or plan has been put into place, nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that nobody is perfect and we could always use a little clarification sometimes. However, it’s important to go about seeking clarity the right way.
Unfortunately, modern organizations act much like the elementary school classroom when it comes to clearly communicating a message and asking questions when there is a problem. Leadership teams will often come up with a bold new marketing strategy and only discuss the specifics with a few people; which leads to confusion regarding everything from brand messaging to sales targets. One employee may hear something from another that simply isn’t true and go on to spread misinformation throughout the office. There are countless scenarios in which we can imagine this scenario playing out in our own companies. However, these problems aren’t impossible to overcome. Here are a few strategies for communicating clearly and asking questions whenever you feel unsure:
If you’ve ever left a meeting feeling like you have just as many questions as answers, you are not alone. If you are unsure of something, you need to reach out to someone right away, right? Well, yes and no. The first step would be to think about what you really do understand and be able to communicate the highlights confidently. Then, think about what you specifically do not understand and be prepared to pinpoint these issues. By doing so, when you reach out to ask questions, you will be able to show that you are making an effort without giving off the impression that you don’t care or aren’t engaged.
The modern workplace is incredibly fast-paced and competitive. As a result, the nature of today’s business environment requires an efficient use of time. If you’ve recently been given a set of duties or tasks to complete but really aren’t sure how to get started and what exactly they are looking for, don’t panic. Similar to the scenario above, think about what you do understand and thoroughly review all of the resources available to you. If there is a policy manual that might have the answer, review it. If there is a website with links that contain relevant information to your question, visit it. Only after you’ve exhausted all available resources should you reach out for help with something you don’t understand. In such a fierce marketplace, having a problem that you can solve yourself but fail to do so just looks bad. It’s likely the person in charge will see you as someone who isn’t engaged and simply doesn’t pay attention; neither of which are good.
While both of the strategies above are undoubtedly valuable for asking questions the right way, there is another side to this that serves a higher purpose. When you truly do understand something, try and take away that same uneasy feeling you’ve experienced when you were unsure about something. Don’t make someone in your company be the person that sits at their desk all day in fear that asking the wrong question might make them seem incompetent, lazy, or even get them fired. Proactively set aside time to share your knowledge with others. While you may not necessarily be the person making decisions in every scenario, it’s important to show others that you are engaged and fully committed to the task-at-hand each and every time. Sharing what you know and asking questions when appropriate also shows a level of humility that isn’t common enough in modern business. Far too often, we get so wrapped up into the competitive nature of work that we forget where we came from. At some point in time, someone helped us; someone answered our questions. As a result, we are obligated to return the favor.
If you’ve been struggling to communicate your message, ask questions with purpose, or find direction in your life or business, my team is here to help. As an experienced business consultant, my mission is simple; to help you elevate your life, health, business. Visit the following link to connect with us and schedule a consultation today! www.jengaudetcoaching.com
