Comments on: “The Only Stupid Question is the One You Don’t Ask”

By: Chike Chinukwue

Chike Chinukwue — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:44:59 +0000

I would say we are conditioned in the IT profession (speaking broadly) to not ‘teach Grandma to suck eggs’ as they say in the UK.

You know how it is when you are told to Google it Stupid and for suggesting that you get to wear the T-Shirt and all.

So creative ignorance as suggested by Jim is what we’ve always done in IT. In order words:

a) Do the home work first (Google/search it first) before you ask that stupid question.

b) If you have to ask the stupid question, have a pen and paper ready to jot it down so you don’t have to ask again.

c) If you do have to ask again simply do so for clarity. Then you can ask some more stupid questions.

By: Laura Brandenburg

Laura Brandenburg — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:57:53 +0000

Creative Ignorance — that’s a great term and brings up lots of useful ideas for ensuring you ask your questions! I also think BAs with deep expertise “know what they don’t know” and this can make it more difficult for them to ask questions. It was Cecilie Hoffman who gave me the great reminder: “Check your ego at the door.” — i.e. ask your question even if it hurts your pride a bit. Thanks or your contribution, Jim!

By: Jim Willette

Jim Willette — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:21:13 +0000

I use what I call Creative Ignorance. When new to a situation, and having made sure that the information isn’t readily available elsewere, I openly admit a level of ignorance and ask the questions that need asking. I try to keep from asking the same question more than twice. That admission is actually on two levels, the first and easist is to the people you are working with, the second is to yourself. Many people, myself included, take pride in their broad knowledge. This pride can be a serious barrier to acquiring new knowledge. There is an old adage, “It is nearly impossible to teach someone what they already know.” Obvioulsy what we know isn’t always correct.

I always enjoy your blogs and interviews. Keep up the good work.