Do you have a second?
As we start fresh after a restful holiday season and an exhausting previous year, many of us are thinking about improving ourselves in 2021. Whether you approach that task with new year's resolutions, yearly themes, or annual goals, 'tis the season to try new ways to improve.
Long ago, in a time when coworkers scandalously sat less than 6 feet away, it was relatively easy to lean around or pop your head over a desk divider to ask a quick question. Now, however, with many still working or collaborating remotely, this simple action has been muddied by additional layers of nuance and social etiquette.
While a text chat fully explaining the question may get you your answer, it is often more effort to write it all out than it is to simply ask the now familiar question - "Do you have a second?" - and connect via phone or video call. Teeing up a 'Quick Question' is not rocket science, and this article is not intended to over-complicate the process. The following are a handful of ideas about asking questions remotely that have helped me and may help you.
1. Understand that it is okay (and often expected) to ask questions.
I think this mentality is a fundamental hurdle for early-career employees trying to prove themselves - or really, anyone with an ounce too much pride. I can't speak for every manager or work environment, but my experience has been that asking quality, thoughtful questions is always beneficial and other people have patience for far more questions than you think.
2. Write a draft and pause before sending.
Use the act of articulating the question to think about it again and see if you can find any clarity or answer it yourself.
3. Give context in the request itself.
Ask it as a more complete sentence, not just "Do you have a second" but "Do you have a second for a question about ___". Realize that your recipient (typically) is coming in cold to the mental space you are already in. Help frame the question and why the answer may not be obvious. Plus, it's like texting - nobody likes to get the text from a family member that simply says "call me" - tell them why.
4. Have at least one potential solution or idea to bring to the table.
This is a huge psychological differentiator for me. By providing a potential solution, you will likely feel better about having actually thought through the situation and the recipient will also better recognize and appreciate that you are not just asking them to do your work but relying on or requesting their valuable input.
5. Actually listen.
The goal is not "never ask questions", but rather to "never ask the same question".
However you frame it for yourself, going in to the new year, I hope you resolve to keep learning. Asking questions is one step in that process.