Emiline recalls acquiring a job in a procurement company immediately after university, not having any work experience challenged her a lot in the practical world. However, she notes that she discovered an important tool that assisted her to learn so fast at her work, and that was asking questions. For her, it’s easy to miss out on some great information even after getting training if someone lacks the skills of asking or inquiring to equip themselves with more knowledge and skills. She says, she took time to study her colleagues and knew who was talented in specific areas and got one-on-one discussions with them, which improved her knowledge about the company’s operations, new ideas and much more. Emiline explains that it wasn’t just about asking any questions, but those that assisted her to grow and propel new ideas, such as, “How can I improve my task or add more efforts for an assignment or project next time?” How can I be of help on this project?” What should we do to improve customers’ enjoyment of our products and services?” And so forth. Some people mistake asking questions often especially in the workspace for stupidity, which is actually wrong. If you don’t know and aren’t even willing to ask others for clarity, you’re likely to stay ignorant, less knowledgeable or less informed. Various studies have shown that the ability to ask the right questions is a sign of intelligence, and one of the characteristics of highly successful people. Managers can also ask employees questions in form of a survey to receive regular feedback, gather ideas and check employees happiness and alignment. The survey can also work for customers to get their views about a product, and how it should be improved. You would wonder how to ask questions and for what purpose or intention. According to research, questions can be categorised as; Information-seeking questions. People use these questions to ask others for information they don’t know. For rhetorical questions, the asker already knows the answer to the question, but uses it to emphasise a point, and then, examination questions—these are questions that people use to test someone’s knowledge. Lastly are indirect requests. These are polite requests for action, including suggestions and invitations. Maureen Iriza, a Marketing and Sales expert stresses that asking the right questions allows employees to create a connection and open up freely and comfortably with their colleagues, which creates trust and great friendships if the questions are open-ended. This is because such questions don’t require a ‘yes or no’ response but allow someone to elaborate. She notes that asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re passionate about your job and eager to learn. Iriza points out that although giving facts and information is helpful, asking can shift one’s thinking, hearten innovation, and result in positive change in an organisation. She is of the view that asking questions increases employees’ emotional intelligence, which is full of benefits, some are soft skills which help them grow, and attract promotions. Research shows that you get better at asking questions the more you ask them, and the more questions we ask, the better we get at cultivating our interpersonal skills. Iriza points out that asking questions allows someone to admit that they don’t know something and are willing to take the step and gain the strength to not shy away from the fact that they don’t know everything. She also notes that asking questions enables staff to be more open to learning and bonding with their co-workers and bosses which can boost motivation and confidence at work. “Asking questions doesn’t only make one wiser, but also equips them with better solutions, brightens the thinking mechanisms, and a sense of satisfaction,” she notes.
