By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. ~Luke 2:46 NKJV
The Silent Struggle
Victoria was a junior project manager at a software development company. She was eager to prove herself and often took on tasks without asking too many questions. She believed that asking for clarification would make her look incompetent, so she stayed silent even when she wasn’t entirely sure what was expected of her.
One day, Victoria was assigned to lead a critical project with a tight deadline. Her manager gave her a brief overview of the project but didn’t go into detail about the client’s specific requirements. Victoria didn’t ask any questions, assuming she could figure it out as she went along.
As the project progressed, it became clear that Victoria had misunderstood several key aspects of the client’s needs. The final deliverable was far from what the client had envisioned, and the project had to be completely redone.
Victoria’s manager was frustrated. “Why didn’t you ask for clarification?” she asked. Victoria realised her silence had cost the company time, money and a valuable client.
The fear of asking questions can leave you strand
Victoria’s story is a classic example of what happens when you don’t ask questions. Many of us fear that asking for clarification will make us look incompetent or inexperienced. But the truth is, not asking questions is far more damaging. When you don’t ask questions, you risk misunderstanding the task at hand, which can lead to mistakes, wasted time and frustration for everyone involved. As the famous saying goes: “The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask”. Victoria assumed she understood her client’s needs but ended up delivering a project that missed the mark entirely. Her fear of looking inexperienced cost her team weeks of rework and left her credibility in question. The lesson? Silence isn’t golden when it comes to clarity—it’s risky.
Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of professionalism. It shows that you’re committed to getting things right and that you care about the quality of your work. When you ask questions, you’re not just clarifying instructions; you’re also demonstrating your engagement and attention to detail. Think about it: even Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in history, once said: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing”. Asking questions not only protects you from errors but also shows that you’re invested in the outcome. It’s a win-win situation: you gain clarity and your colleagues or clients see you as someone who takes their work seriously.
Without asking questions, you’re likely to misinterpret instructions, leading to mistakes and rework. Victoria’s misunderstanding of the client’s needs resulted in a failed project. According to a study by the Project Management Institute, poor communication is the primary cause of project failure in 56 percent of cases. That’s a staggering number, and it underscores just how critical it is to ask questions upfront. Victoria’s assumption that she knew what the client wanted led to a deliverable that didn’t meet expectations, forcing her team to start from scratch. The time and resources wasted could have been avoided with a simple “Can you clarify what you mean by X?” or “Could you provide an example?”
Mistakes caused by a lack of clarity can be costly. Victoria’s project had to be completely redone, wasting time and resources. In fact, research by the Harvard Business Review found that miscommunication costs businesses an average of US$12,506 per employee annually. That’s a lot of money down the drain—money that could have been saved by fostering a culture where asking questions is encouraged. Victoria’s failure to seek clarification didn’t just impact her; it affected her entire team and the company’s bottom line. The ripple effect of one person’s hesitation to ask questions can be enormous.
When you don’t ask questions, it can make you appear disengaged or careless. Victoria’s manager began to question her ability to handle complex projects. This is a common consequence of staying silent when you’re unsure. As leadership expert John C. Maxwell puts it: “Good leaders ask great questions that inspire others to dream more, think more, learn more, do more and become more”. By not asking questions, Victoria inadvertently sent the message that she wasn’t fully invested in the project. Her manager started to doubt her competence, which could have long-term implications for her career growth.
Employers are more likely to trust and promote employees who demonstrate a commitment to getting things right. Victoria’s failure to ask questions cost her the chance to lead future projects. A survey by LinkedIn found that 72 percent of employers value curiosity and a willingness to learn as key traits in their employees. By contrast, employees who avoid asking questions are often seen as less proactive and less capable. Victoria’s missed opportunity to lead future projects highlights the importance of being curious and vocal. Asking questions isn’t just about avoiding mistakes—it’s about building trust and positioning yourself as someone who’s reliable and thorough.
What to do instead:
- Ask for clarification – If you’re unsure about any aspect of a task, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. It’s better to ask questions upfront than to make mistakes later. As the old saying goes: “Measure twice, cut once”. Taking the time to clarify expectations can save you from costly errors down the line. Don’t worry about looking inexperienced—most people will appreciate your diligence.
- Take notes – When receiving instructions, take detailed notes. This will help you remember the key points and identify areas where you need more information. Studies show that writing things down improves retention by up to 70 percent, so grab a pen and paper or open a note-taking app. Jotting down key details ensures you have a reference point to revisit if you’re unsure later.
- Repeat back – After receiving instructions, repeat them back to the person who gave them to ensure you’ve understood correctly. This technique, often called “active listening”, is a game-changer. It not only confirms your understanding but also gives the other person a chance to correct any misunderstandings. It’s a simple yet powerful way to avoid miscommunication.
- Be proactive – If you realise you’ve misunderstood something, address it immediately. Don’t wait until it’s too late to ask for help. As the saying goes: “A stitch in time saves nine”. The sooner you clarify, the easier it is to correct the course. Proactivity shows that you’re responsible and committed to delivering quality work, which will earn you respect and trust in the long run.
What now?
If you’ve been hesitant to ask questions, it’s time to change your approach. Remember, asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of professionalism. By asking for clarification, you can avoid misunderstandings, deliver better results and build a reputation as someone who gets things right. So, the next time you’re given a task, don’t stay silent; remember to ask the questions that will set you up for success.
Tips
- Tip #1: Prepare a list of questions before meetings or briefings. This will help you stay focused and ensure you don’t miss anything important.
- Tip #2: Don’t be afraid to ask “dumb” questions. Often, the simplest questions can reveal the most critical information.
- Tip #3: If you’re unsure about something, ask for examples or additional context. This can help you better understand the task at hand.
- Tip #4: Practise active listening. Pay close attention to the instructions you’re given and ask follow-up questions to clarify any points you’re unsure about.
>>>Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor: Nelson is a respected author, publishing consultant and Christian business coach. He is passionate about financial evangelism and is also a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor and metaverse enthusiast.
Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA): Elizabeth is a highly accomplished Chartered Accountant with nearly two decades of experience in financial management consulting. She has worked extensively in both the non-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them at +233549762233 or [email protected]
