The Skill of Asking Questions

We were all there in school at some point. The teacher starts talking about something we didn't understand. Maybe it's a new concept. Maybe it's something that's been covered for a while.

Whichever case, we were afraid to raise our hand. Because we were afraid we would look stupid.

The same thing happens to adults. In meetings, when the boss starts using some jargon we've never heard before. Again, everyone is afraid to ask. Afraid to ask because of the same fear. Fear of looking stupid.

But, in both scenarios, look what happens. The student loses days of education, and the meeting time is worthless because half the attendees don't understand what's going on.

It's inevitable that when we have the courage to ask the question, five other people in the class or meeting heave a sigh of relief.

Developing the courage to ask questions in school, in work, and in the arts is a skill. A skill worth investing time in. And a skill worth encouraging our kids to pursue.

Think about the long-term gains.

If you ask questions about everything you don't know or understand for 10 years, how much knowledge will you have gained? And how much confidence will you have gained in your quest for knowledge and understanding?

Asking questions. It's more important than getting the right answers.