Ask the Questions

            What is a question? The dictionary clearly states "an expression of inquiry that invites or calls for a reply " (The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, 2000)."" If we think about it, our whole lives are questions. We are continuously bouncing around ideas and asking questions in our workplace, at school and even at home. Simply put, we are always seeking answers. We have to know that the right question to obtain the right answer. There are three major points to be addressed when trying to ask the right questions. They are when and how to ask, asking forgiveness, and asking if you do not understand.
             My first point is when and how to ask questions. Currently working in the IT profession, I realize that good questions should provoke thought, and hopefully will always lead to some answer that you can act upon. At work, I am continuously prompt with questions like; did all of the batch jobs complete, what about the file transfers, and what is the status? These questions are asked essentially in a one-on-one meeting with my coworker. If answers do not meet our satisfaction, we will relentlessly keep trying to find the answers and acting decisively to complete our job. It is better for us to constantly put our best questions forward than to settle for an answer without thinking objectively or further on the matter. With time, it becomes more evident when and how to self-manage your questions and drive to seek better answers that were given. In any setting, if your continuously asking questions or being asked questions it clearly shows dissatisfaction or that answers are not clear. It is strategic, thinking of the questions and answers. It a process, we engage in everyday especially if you are endlessly making progress and taking the initiative towards leadership. I have to agree with the article "how to ask questions - and when - are important skills for leaders to learn as they progress .