Do I know how to ask questions? What seems like a rhetorical question at best and an absurd question at worse, I am thinking the answer may be a soft no. I would like to think I know the grammatical and punctuation rules accompanying written questions, but some may disagree. However, to say I have a willingness and ability to ask questions would stimulate more to disagree.
To explain, I am a product of an industrialized education system subordinating students under teachers. The system focuses on order – students sitting in desks aligned in neat rows headed by a standing teacher. Imploring a metaphor, my flame of innate curiosity faces a strong head wind (or it may have been extinguished if it ever existed).
Perpetuating the above metaphor for just a sentence longer, the challenge is figuring out a way to construct a wind shield/guard, and if necessary, reignite the flame. That requires breaking nearly two decades of compounding question-apprehension. To say I have struggled with the concept “there are no dumb questions” is a gross understatement. In actuality, I have been fortunate to appear even mildly competent as I quietly sit through classes. Additionally, during the past two decades, I have dangerously accepted what my teacher, instructors, and professors have presented, primarily because what is taught is considered fair game on quizzes, tests, and exams. Making my present situation worse, as an introvert, I am content to let peers guide classroom discussions which allows me to reflect interpersonally.
My challenge is not just vocal question utterance, but also covers the spectrum of formal to informal non-verbal question writing through letters, emails, and text messages. While this fact poses serious issues pertaining to my prospects of delisting as a bachelor, it poses greater concerns regarding my ultimate ability to succeed in a career or excel at the highest level academically.
It is my sincere hope you are not like me and questions come more naturally to you. But if you have some question-apprehension, consider the following untested proposed solution:
Considering the inciting incident of a question exists, determine if it is an intrigue or a requirement. Once you have decided whether it is an intrigue or a requirement, consider if you can use source material to answer the question or if you need someone else to answer the question.
An example of an intrigue question includes the trivial, who won the 1984 World Series? Or, where is Glacier National Park? Required questions may be something like, how do I post a journal entry in the new financial system? Or, what are the civil service requirements for this job opening?
I would argue you can often answer intrigue questions following a few moments on an internet search engine or using print sources such as library books. You may be able to answer required questions but are more likely to require asking someone else. Recognizing this fact is an intended consequence of a decision tree for question asking.
I offer an analogy of intrigue questions. Think of the inciting incident as being selected for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire as both the host and the contestant. You have two repeating lifelines. You ask a question and either you can answer the question by knowing the answer (yes, final answer) otherwise referencing sources (poll the audience), or you contact someone else (phone a friend).
Another way to model required questions would be to create a single set of sequential steps that end once provided with an answer. After the inciting incident, begin by reviewing sources. Your sources may also identify contacts. If your sources do not answer the question, review contacts and communicate with the best alternative. If the communication is written, review what you write, and send. Wait for a response and either thank them for the answer, follow up with an additional question, or schedule a verbal appointment.
While mapping a decision tree for question asking is futile for most, by having directions that can be followed may provide guidance for those who struggle with the particular task. The principle applies to any task you find difficult.
