In a recent job interview, the interviewer asked me what my ideal work environment would look like.
I said somewhere where I could ask questions. She asked me to explain, so I went on to say I'm someone who doesn't hesitate to ask questions, especially if it helps me get somewhere.
Imagine my shock when she was fascinated that this is something I'd look for in a workplace. I mean, to me this is normal. But she had never even thought about it before, and went on to ask what kind of questions I'd ask, etc etc.
I didn't get the job, but I hope they can learn to create a great environment where everyone is comfortable to ask questions and continue learning.
People who ask questions not only learn, but tend to save a lot of time! How many times have you seen people lost at the supermarket wandering around looking for something?
Now about questions, my top 5 briefing questions, probably more useful to freelancers but anyway:
What are the goals and expectations that you plan to achieve with this project?
What is the budget reserved for this project? (if 1 > 2 -> throw error & run :)
(And this meme explains point 1 and 2)
How do you think this proposal works compared with the current version? (NEVER ASK or USE THE WORD LIKE or similar in a creative proposal, our you are doomed!)
What improvements, based on our last conversation about our goals, do you think we should make? Because clients know their business and we should listen to them! So never be afraid to check if the work is aligned with the goals in mind.
Whatever the question is, don't forget about being polite!
An example:
BAD:
Project manager / client / Human person: Hey Matt, we need to make few changes.
Matt: AGAIN? WHY!?? @$%!!&·#!
GOOD:
Project manager / client / Human person: Hey Matt, we need to make few changes.
Matt: Perfect! Where can I find more details about why are we doing this changes, so I can do a more refined job?
NOTE: About the meme. I've worked with very humble clients with very low budgets. It's not only about money, sometimes people need guidance about realistic expectations, and if we don't ask the result could end in disappointment for both parts.
I take time to correct people everytime they say "I have a stupid question". It goes a long way!
I try to do things like this too! Sometimes people just need a little reinforcement.
Me too ...I find it very encouraging for others
Yes, very much agree. This is a skill all need to learn to get better. Interestingly, I had posted something on the similar topic. Please have a look
dev.to/atapas/fear-of-asking-quest...
Can’t do it until a bit later, but I’ll definitely take a look at your post! 😁
In a recent job interview, the interviewer asked me what my ideal work environment would look like.
I said somewhere where I could ask questions. She asked me to explain, so I went on to say I'm someone who doesn't hesitate to ask questions, especially if it helps me get somewhere.
Imagine my shock when she was fascinated that this is something I'd look for in a workplace. I mean, to me this is normal. But she had never even thought about it before, and went on to ask what kind of questions I'd ask, etc etc.
I didn't get the job, but I hope they can learn to create a great environment where everyone is comfortable to ask questions and continue learning.
Very true, good points. 👍
Nobody learned anything from speaking. So I figured I'd ask questions (as you state)...
🙂
People who ask questions not only learn, but tend to save a lot of time! How many times have you seen people lost at the supermarket wandering around looking for something?
Now about questions, my top 5 briefing questions, probably more useful to freelancers but anyway:
An example:
BAD:
GOOD:
NOTE: About the meme. I've worked with very humble clients with very low budgets. It's not only about money, sometimes people need guidance about realistic expectations, and if we don't ask the result could end in disappointment for both parts.
Nice post. I usually face this problem at work. I always have lot questions in mind but because of some unknown fear :p i am not able to ask always.
Just do it! :) People will appreciate the effort you make to do your job right.
I should actually do it yeah 😑