When In Doubt
When in doubt, ask.
It’s a saying that we’ve all heard before.
Working with a company on induction processes recently, one leader stated, “every new employee is told they can ask anything they don’t know, understand or haven’t been given enough information on”.
Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple.
Research shows that the paradox of doubt has the effect of us not wanting to ask questions. Doubt can make us feel insecure, fearful of the uncertainty and unknowns, and backed into a corner. This often leads us to double down on what we think we know or believe. Ironically, we cover up our doubt by acting with greater certainty.
This natural human behaviour can be compounded in workplace cultures where people do not feel questions are truly encouraged.
When I’m presenting on the role of curiosity in innovation and change, I recommend that asking questions opens up new possibilities, ideas and opportunities. Questions are the pathway to knowledge and understanding, learning and growth for people. Questions enhance our team cultures, by helping us to connect with each other, our vulnerability invites people in, and we can work together in more meaningful and effective ways.
As professionals, understanding the paradox of doubt means we need to be purposeful in asking questions in our workplace.
And, in our workplaces, we all have a role to play in walking the talk and really encouraging people to ask questions.
When in doubt, it seems we don’t always ask.
How can we create more comfort - both within ourselves and our teams - so that when in doubt we do ask?