There are no dumb questions … but there are smart questions, and you should be asking them.
Both existing and emerging research suggests that asking questions — specifically a smart question or ‘the right question’ — can be extremely beneficial in the workplace.
But what is the right question?
Great question.
To quote former Forbes Councils Member and Business Expert Dan Mack, “the right question invites us to reassess old scripts and negative experiences that mask our view of the world… The people I admire most ask great questions.”
This emphasis on the importance of asking questions comes on the heels of a scathing critique of modern workplaces, in which Mack — and many others — have observed a culture lacking in curiosity and critical thinking. “I’ve found that successful founders often lose their curiosity, passion, and edge… They often take shortcuts and fail to refresh and revalidate their own perspectives.” - Dan Mack, Forbes
In a workplace that perhaps undervalues inquisitiveness, then, how can driven and curious workers ask smarter questions and actually receive answers? That’s what we’re here to find out.
Before we dive deeper into a conversation regarding how to ask smart questions, let’s look at some of the data surrounding the importance of inquisitiveness as a soft skill.
Unfortunately, there exists a major discrepancy between what managers say they want, and what they actually encourage employees to do once hired. Research shows that 41% of workers believe leadership “doesn’t value innovation” and 67% report feeling that “leadership operates on the notion that ‘this is how we’ve always done it’.” Similarly, nearly 50% of employees surveyed said “they are not regularly asked for their ideas.”
Why does this come as such a surprise?
Because it directly contradicts what employers say they value most when looking for new hires. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs Report, these were the top core skills that companies ranked as their most sought-after when it came to applicants:
How on earth could an employee demonstrate the majority of these core skills without ever asking a question? The very act of being analytical, creative, and/or curious dictates that one look at situations in a new way — aka asks questions.
Despite the apparent disregard workers feel when it comes to sharing their questions, comments, and concerns, curiosity should be prioritized. This skill “has been empirically associated with beneficial workplace outcomes such as employee engagement and agility, increased creativity, and enhanced organizational performance.” – Alison Horstmery, University of Southern California
Hopefully this information won’t only embolden employees to ask smart questions, but also serve as a reminder to leaders that inquisitiveness is a highly coveted skill, and therefore should be encouraged.
In a recent article, Harvard Business Review also tackled the topic of how to ask smart questions, and divided workplace inquiries into these five groups:
When asking a question, especially in a workplace that might not be as receptive to inquiry, it’s helpful to ruminate on what kind of answer you’re looking for. What information are you trying to acquire and/or what are you trying to better understand?
Taking these groups and their verbal associations into consideration will help you not only word your questions, but also help you determine whether your questions have actually been answered.
We know you have smart questions, and you deserve smart answers in return.
The issue of defining what is and isn’t a smart question stems from the fact that ‘smart questions’ are going to differ greatly among the various workplaces and fields. For example, if you’re a saleswoman at a local boutique, a smart, speculative question might be, “What if we moved the perfume display closer to the door, so that people walking by might catch a whiff and be prompted to come inside?”
If you’re a team manager at a Fortune 500 company, on the other hand, a smart, productive question might be, “Now that we’ve bounced back from a rough quarter, what can I do to ensure that my team remains motivated and doesn’t repeat the mistakes of the past?”
Although we can’t give you a clear and concise definition of a ‘smart question’, the evidence we’ve provided in asking a question in general, we think, points to this one simple answer:
How can you ask smarter questions?
Well … Just ask questions.
Seeking answers, as opposed to dismissing your own inquiries, and letting questions fester, will be beneficial to the workplace more broadly, but also to your career on a personal level. Research shows that “growth from exploration, curiosity, and lifelong learning has also been linked to career satisfaction.”
Throughout this discussion of how to ask smart questions, there’s one remaining inquiry we’d like to present you with.
When asking a question at work, do you feel often dismissed?
Unfortunately, for many, this is the norm. Employees often report that their curiosity “is regularly met with resistance or is even discouraged.” We at CyberCoders place an emphasis on recognition and innovation, meaning we make it a point to ensure every voice is heard.
Because we’ve helped match so many talented and driven job seekers (over forty-three thousand to be exact) with their dream positions, we know what a good employee and a good workplace looks like. We know your experience and knowledge is invaluable and feel that your voice should be heard, your insights respected, and your smart questions answered! If you agree and are ready to find work that prioritizes your professional and personal growth, let us help.
For more information on our recruitment services and proven track record, check out our website and apply for a new role today!
Thousands of full-time and remote jobs in every industry. Search jobs.
We'll find you the right candidate, fast. Get started.
Our recruiters connect people with great opportunities and help our clients build amazing teams. Learn more.
