It sounds simple doesn’t it? Now take a moment to reflect. How many times have you held off asking a question because you were unsure what to expect, didn’t want to appear “not smart enough”, or feared rejection? I’m guessing there are too many to count if you’re reflecting with true honesty. I understand. I’ve been there, silently sitting through a meeting and saying nothing only to be frustrated that all kinds of potential was left on the table; or resenting that I felt unhappy because I didn’t have the courage to ask for something better.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein
About mid-career, I reported to a leader once who was invested enough to give me feedback that helped me grow. The leader noticed that in some meetings I was rather quiet and seemed hesitant. I shared that in a room of extroverts, there was a lot of talking and by the time I found a place to say something I had thought through in my head, someone else had already raised it. She encouraged me to be freer with my contributions, encouraging me to ask questions that provoked discussion, rather than trying to perfectly form a precise thought. I took this feedback to heart because I knew I could contribute more.
I can confidently share that I have mastered the art of asking questions, having since realized that questions are powerful, they have the potential to create something that would otherwise not exist if left unspoken. It might be asking for a different role, a promotion, or a salary increase. It could be an open-ended question that generates reflection within another person and helps them become a better version of themselves. Or, it could be a curious question that alters a senior leadership decision and moves people to action. Whatever it is, ask the question! What’s the worse that can happen? Questions posed with curiosity and without judgment won’t get you fired; at worst, nothing happens; at best, new possibilities ignite.
Melissa
