The following is more of a formal discussion about the subject of "stupid" questions. This was based on a conversation that I had with a friend about training and the questions that students asked. I felt that it was important that students were free to ask all the questions that they had, thus denied the position of the "stupid" question. Here, I present, a more formal discussion of such. This is quite long (about 10,000 words)
Cheers,
Henry.
TL:DR: Carl Sagan said: "There are naive questions, tedious questions, ill-phrased questions, questions put after inadequate self-criticism. But every question is a cry to understand the world. There is no such thing as a dumb question". Questions need to be encouraged. Most of the fear about asking questions comes from our past. There can be greater problems created if you don't ask the question. You will most likely be not alone in not knowing the answer to the question. Questions allow people and groups to learn and grow.
Abstract
The concept
of a “stupid” question is one found in common language and Western culture.
These are questions which are asked, often resulting in rebukes or the asker
being ridiculed for asking the question. These questions often relate to group
knowledge which supposedly is common amongst the group, so the question is seen
as needless. The following discussion argues that such is not the case and that
the so-called “stupid” question is actually a contradiction. All questions
should be treated with respect because they are an individual’s search for
knowledge. Further there is evidence that the asking of questions furthers
knowledge and that not asking questions can lead to problems and mistakes.
Asking questions should be encouraged.
Introduction
The “stupid”
question is one a person is not supposed to ask because they should already
know the answer, or because it will make the person look stupid for asking it,
likely for the same reason. A question is used to search for answers, and thus
search for knowledge so the question must be asked, how such a search could
ever be stupid. The discussion which follows addresses the concept of the
“stupid” question and presents ideas and concepts contrary to its existence.
So the reader
and the author are familiar with the terms and have a similar understanding of
the terms to begin with, both the terms “stupid” and “question”, which comprise
the concept, will be addressed. Once they have been addressed individually,
they will be then addressed united as “stupid question” to give a beginning
position for the discussion.
What follows
next is a discussion of how the “stupid” question which was asked in our past
affects the questions which are asked, or not asked, in our present and our
future. This is due to the result gained from asking the question in our past
and our learned experienced from asking that question, and others like it. This
is learned experience and practice.
The result of
this learned experience and practice is fear. It is fear of how others will
perceive us, primarily as a result of group dynamics and the psychology of
asking the question. This fear is a learned response gained from our past then affecting
our present and our future, the result being that questions are not asked
because of fear. This is even when there are questions that need to be answered.
The problem
created is that questions are not answered due to fear of what others will
think, so people go blindly into things, making mistakes as they do so. These
are mistakes which could have been averted if questions had been asked before
they had started, questions which would have given them knowledge in their
answering and resulted in fewer mistakes; mistakes which are costly.
Ask the
question. Find out the information regardless of how “stupid” the question
might seem. Questions should be encouraged because it is through questions that
people find knowledge and can do things in the right way and avoid mistakes.
Questions should be encouraged in groups and teams of people the more
knowledgeable the group the better. There will be respect for the question,
just remember that timing the question is also important.
Through the
answering of questions comes learning; finding out information through the
questions which are asked. Every question which is asked gives information so has
value to the asker of the question. If the question is not asked then learning
is denied, likely not only to the asker, but also to the whole group.
Often the
question which is asked by one person will be one which another person has in a
group. This means that asking questions benefits the group. Everyone will not have
the same knowledge and perspective and questions allow this to be achieved. To
maximise the effectiveness of a team or group, group dynamics and psychology
both need to be taken into account, so they can be harnessed to the group’s
advantage.
Members of
the group should be encouraged to give feedback to the leader of the group. In
the case of a teaching situation, it helps when the teacher asks for feedback
from the students, but it also helps when the students volunteer the feedback
in the form of active listening. This is the same with all group situations.
Feedback can allow content to be changed, modified, or repeated so that people
understand it better.
The “stupid”
question is a concept which is often defined in very general terms and in terms
as information that “everyone” knows. This implies that everyone has the same
sort of background knowledge and learning in a group, also that they all come
from the same cultural background. Questions seek knowledge so the concept of
the “stupid” question argues that such seeking is also “stupid”. Each question
is valid and should be addressed with the same level of attention regardless.
Definitions
The
definitions for the two main words in the discussion “stupid”[1]
and “question” were defined using three different dictionaries, the
Merriam-Webster (2020), Dictionary.com (2020) and Wiktionary (2020). It should
be noted that the same three dictionaries were used for defining both words so
there can be no contention that the dictionary may have defined the term
differently. The only change to the definitions is that the examples given in
the definitions have been removed. These definitions from these sources, edited
as previously indicated, can be found in Appendix
1: Definitions. From these three definitions, an analysis of the
definitions was performed to pull together the common elements of the three
definitions to form a single, conglomerate, definition of each word. The
analysis of the definitions can be found in Appendix 2: Analysis.
After analysis, Merriam-Webster
(2020a) defines “stupid” as being unintelligent or indicating an unintelligent
act, further that such comes from a lack of reasoning or thinking.[2]
The Dictionary.com (2020a) definition focuses on slowness/dullness of mind,
foolishness, pointlessness, lack of meaning or sense. This again relates to a
lack of reasoning or thinking.[3]
The Wiktionary (2020a) definition focuses on a lack of intelligence or
exhibiting a lack of intelligence, thus is quite narrow and shows why the
broader search is most useful.[4]
The final
definition of “stupid” should thus take in the main themes which have been
presented by these three definitions. The prime one is it originates from a
lack of reasoning or thinking. The aspect of lack of intelligence or the
exhibition of lack of intelligence is a part of this, but it is the lack of
reasoning which is most important to the definition here. The result is that as
a result of analysis, “stupid” will be defined as indicating something unintelligent
or one which has a lack of reasoned thinking. This is more suitable to the
purpose of this enquiry considering a type of question.
After
analysis, Merriam-Webster (2020) defines a “question” as an act or instance of
asking.[5]
Dictionary.com (2020) defines it as a request for information.[6]
The Wiktionary (2020) definition focuses on request for information or a
challenge to the accuracy or a matter.[7]
There is a
clear theme in the definition of “question” of a request for information. In
all cases the definition points to a request by the asker for information. The
definition of “question” will thus result as an act or instance of asking for
information. This is the most suitable definition as it pertains to the issue
which is being addressed.
There are two
definitions, one each for “stupid” and “question” which have been presented as
a result of the analysis of the definitions given by three different sources.
These definitions have been deliberately focused toward what is most useful and
poignant to the discussion. These are the definitions which are used as the
discussion proceeds. Such definitions are vital to ensure that both the author
and reader understand these words in the same manner.
If a person
is to examine the phrase “stupid question” in the light of these definitions it
results in a contradictory statement being “an act or instance of asking for
information which is described as an unintelligent act or one which has a lack
of reasoned thinking”. This is because “stupid” describes the type of
“question”. This supposes that an act of asking for information can be
unintelligent or lacking in reasoned thinking, which, in its essence, a
question requires. In this use of logic, only using the definitions of the
words, they are contradictory, but this is only in theory. The “stupid”
question, in reality, lurks in our past like some sort of nemesis.
Past
“I'm sure all of us can remember
a time when we were younger and we asked a "stupid question," and got
made fun of for it. And although we didn't realize it at the time, we
internalized that feeling and learned not to do it again.”[8]
Our past
informs our present and our future, the lesson that was learnt from asking a question
and having the negative reaction from those around us was, that it was wrong to
ask certain types of question, that questions need to be thought about before
we asked them, and some hesitance was needed before questions were asked. This
results in people not asking questions for fear of them looking stupid or
because they might ask a question which might be stupid, so questions do not
get asked at all. What we do not know is that by asking what might seem to be
the simple question, we could help those around us.
“"(There's) no such thing as a stupid question" is a
popular phrase with a long history. It suggests that the quest for knowledge
includes failure, and that just because one person may know less than others
they should not be afraid to ask rather than pretend they already know. In many
cases multiple people may not know, but are too afraid to ask the "stupid
question"; the one who asks the question may in fact be doing a service to
those around them.”[9]
Asking questions
is ruled by fear, due to the response the asker may gain from asking the question.
While the question may be a true seeking of knowledge, there is still fear that
a negative response will result from the question. We are encouraged to ask
questions as children, never more so than in the classroom. Even here, the
nemesis of the “stupid question” exists even though it supposedly does not.
Outside, this rule does not necessarily apply, “The concept of asking “stupid
questions” doesn’t always resonate outside of the classroom.”[10]
People who
ask these questions outside the classroom, especially in the workplace, are
often met with derision, as it is frequently assumed that the answer to the
question is already known by the assembled group, though this may not always be
the case; even if members of the assembled group who did not know would not
admit it. “Stupid questions” are seen as wasting the valuable time of
supervisors, superiors and other co-workers in many work settings, and even in
social settings the same derision can often result. The questioning culture of
the classroom seems to stop once it reaches the “real” world.
“Breaking into the Game Industry argues that the adage (and the
related one "the only stupid question is the one that is never
asked") is only relevant for the classroom, and that in the real world
when you want to try to impress someone, there are many stupid questions one
can ask.”[11]
With this
fear of the result of asking the wrong question, or indeed asking any question
at all in some instances, it is not surprising that people do not ask questions
even when they are invited to. The fear established early in childhood has flowed
through to adulthood and remains until it is clearly demonstrated that the
situation has changed. It must be proven that questions are not only allowable,
but encouraged. Through this investigation it will be shown that so-called
“stupid questions” are a matter of valuation and should not exist. The primary
cause for this is that in asking a question the individual seeks an answer to
their question. What prevents the asking is fear.
Fear
“We’ve all been there: you’re in
a meeting, conference, or lecture, and you’re completely lost. You have a
question, but you don’t speak up. Why? Because you’re afraid of looking dumb.”[12]
No one else
is asking a question, so you should know the answer, right? You are afraid of
looking like you do not know as much as everyone else, like you have not done
your research, or at least as much as everyone else. This is the fear that
prevents people from asking important questions. It is the fear of what others
will think of us.
“We’ve all hesitated to ask
something, fearing that others will find our question stupid. Staying quiet may
seem like the safe option – but in all likelihood you’ll eventually regret it.”[13]
Fear of asking
a “stupid” question prevents people from asking questions which would give
answers that they are searching for, and sometimes gives them the keys to the
knowledge they are looking for. This fear attached to looking foolish or stupid
in front of a group is pervasive and powerful, but it is something that needs
to be fought in search of answers.
“Society would be in a better
place if we were less fearful of looking ignorant in the face of knowledge.
Allow yourself to be curious and ask your questions. If someone makes fun of
your question – ask someone else. If you get a good answer, great. You will
have learnt something you didn’t know – say thank you to your temporary
teacher.”[14]
If you knew,
you would not be asking the question. The fear of looking ignorant in the face
of knowledge is something to fight against. Stand and ask the question, gain
the knowledge, if you get rebuked for your question, go elsewhere and ask
somewhere else. When you get an answer thank the person who gave you the
answer, they are giving you knowledge. Ask the question, indeed always ask the
question, forget the fear and ask the question to gain the knowledge. Having
the knowledge helps prevent future problems.
Problem
“You’ve been there. A question
sits on the tip of your tongue but you just can’t, no you won’t, ask it.
Pushing back questions that surface in your consciousness is equivalent to
painting over mildew. It might take the problem off your mind for a short
while, but you have not addressed the underlying issue.”[15]
Everyone has
been there. A question sits there in the back of your mind, it needs to be
asked, but you don’t ask it for fear that you will look stupid in front of the
group. You don’t follow it up with the leader or teacher, and the subject keeps
rearing its head. It would have been easier, in the first place, to get over
the fear and ask the question. Likely the same gap in your knowledge has caused
issues until the information was found. Here, not asking the “stupid” question
is a problem.
“History is full of examples of
failed projects and fatal accidents that could have been prevented if only the
person in charge had been challenged by their team and had listened.”[16]
Assumptions
are a problem. Leaders assume that their groups or teams understand where a
project is headed and what is required to complete this project. If no one asks
the questions that are relevant, these assumptions remain, even if they are
wrong. The result is that the project heads in the wrong direction, time and
money are wasted, and sometimes there are costly mistakes which are made; all
because someone did not ask a “stupid” question.
Bravery is
required to stand up, to be highlighted, to ask that question, but in the end
it could be exactly what the group needs. “What are the alternatives? Keep your
mouth shut, assume, miss a crucial point, go off on a tangent, and build a
house of cards.”[17]
Questions need to be asked so that problems can be highlighted, differences in
approach can be highlighted, and elementary issues which may have been
overlooked can be highlighted. Problems can be solved early.
Prevention of Problems
“it doesn’t cause problems it helps prevent them, it doesn’t get
in the way, it shows the way. Far
from undermining the leader it gives them the chance to bring everyone onto the same page.”[18]
Some will
think that questions slow things down, especially when they are simple
questions that “everyone should know”. If the question is being asked,
“everyone” does not know. These “stupid” questions are a way that people can
affirm that people in a group understand the foundational elements of a project
the same way; a way that a group can ensure that everyone understands the
theory or essential practical elements the same way. These “stupid” questions
are problem-solvers rather than problem-creators.
“just as a reminder, that single
“stupid” question could very well mean the difference between a satisfied
customer and a waste of time, money, motivation, and good ideas.”[19]
Ask the Question
“One of the best things about
coming into your own as a scientist is that you learn to let go of the shame
that society often attaches to not knowing something. As a scientist, it is not
the “not knowing” that bothers me. It is not wanting to fix that lack of
knowledge that bothers me. I don’t know the answers to many things – but if I
meet someone who might know the answer, I will certainly ask.”[20]
Asking the
question is important because it avails you of knowledge. Only in asking a question
about a topic which you do not know, do you gain knowledge. Even when the
question would seem to be “stupid” for some reason asking the question and
gaining the answer gains you knowledge in the process, not asking the question
results in you not getting answers and therefore possibly lacking essential
knowledge and this is a problem. The key here is, ask the question to get the
answers.
Get Answers
“I’m here to tell you DON’T DO
IT. Find a way to get over, past, or around whatever hesitation is causing you
to hit your internal pause button. Ask your question. And don’t just ask it,
ask it until it is answered and your internal gut check comes back positive for
comfort.”[21]
Don’t hold
off because you feel like your question is “stupid”, ask the question and get
the answers to the question until you are comfortable with the answers. The
hesitation that you are feeling, the fear and anxiety, is less important that
gaining the answer to the question. In the end, you will be more comfortable
with having the answer to the question you have.
Gaining the answer is especially important
where you can’t find the answer yourself. “But I’m telling you if you have a
question and if you’ve done your homework, the worse thing you can do is let it
go unanswered.”[22]
The answer to this question could result in whether or not a project succeeds,
whether or not the work that you put into something or the approach you take is
wasted or not.
Do not be concerned about the
question, thinking of a “good” question, and phrasing it correctly so it sounds
better “You don’t have to think of a “good question”, just ask the questions
that are on your mind.”[23] The
image that you project by asking a question is less important than the
information you are seeking. The image which should be perceived is of a person
seeking information, nothing more. Image is even more, or actually less,
important if you are a leader, or a teacher, you must lead by example.
“True leaders worry less about
how they are perceived in the short-term and more about actionable results in
the long-term. Ask your questions; probe until you get answers.”[24]
The leader
must demonstrate to his team that asking questions is supported; the teacher
must do the same for their students. In both cases the individual must put
aside how they look in the short-term; the advantage of demonstrating that
questions are supported is to the advantage of the group or team. If a question
makes you look anything negative, this is overshadowed by the advantages of understanding
due to the answers you gain in the long-term. Ask the questions until the
answers are found.
There are reasons that such
so-called “stupid” questions might be asked, reasons that further information
might be required to gain a full answer to the question which has been asked,
or further questions.
·
“Maybe you asked it already and got an answer
(but you aren’t satisfied).
·
Maybe you feel you should know the answer (but
you don’t).
In each case there is more
information that is required to fulfil the requirements of information to
answer the question. Only through complete answers can you understand the
reason for things to happen, the way that they happen. Maybe as a result of
this process a different direction is taken, the question should always be
respected.
Respect for the Question
“If you sincerely have a
question, and have gone to the trouble of articulating it, most scientists will
respect the question and the curiosity that has prompted to ask it. They will
generally answer it as well as they can.”[26]
The statement
above should be the same for anyone whom you ask a question. The
question should be answered in a manner which is complete and given due respect
to the question which is asked. Experts in the field will be asked similar
questions, and that is fine. They will answer these questions as it affirms the
direction that they are taking. The important thing is that experts want
questions to greater understand what they are studying. Questions are
encouraged by all.
“On a cautionary note – not every
scientist is always going to be in the mood to answer questions about their
work. If we are hunkered over a computer, typing furiously, with headphones in,
it is probably not a good time.”[27]
There is
always a question of timing in regard to questions regardless whether they are
so-called “good” questions or “stupid” questions. If the person who you want to
ask the question is busy, you are not likely to get the positive response to
your question that you might like. It is not that the question is bad or that
they are not willing to answer the question, it is just that the timing is bad
and that they are focussed on other things.
Questions are better timed when
the person you want to ask the question is not busy. This is especially the
case if the answer is going to be long and involved, such a question may be
deferred to another time. This also goes for the way that the question is
asked. If the question is asked in an accusing manner then the response is
likely to be defensive and abrupt. Questions should be encouraged, but their
timing and manner of asking should also be considered.
Encourage
In a work or
social situation, or any situation where there is a group, if a leader wants
the group to do something, then there needs to be some encouragement to do the
particular thing. This is the same for asking questions, all questions. For the
leaders of the group it is necessary that they show the group how, by asking
the questions themselves.
“Encourage others to ask
questions by asking questions yourself.
A huge part of leadership is
showing that you are, and continue to be, open to learning. You want others
around you to feel like it's safe for them to ask questions, talk through
mistakes, and collaborate with other team members. You can tell people to do
this until you're blue in the face, but employees learn best by watching and
seeing it in action. So if you want to foster an environment where people can
ask questions without feeling stupid, then you need to show them how.”[28]
In leading a
group, there may not be many opportunities for a leader to ask questions, but
the leader, to encourage the group to ask questions, should take these
opportunities whenever they are present. This is especially important for the
simplest questions and those which would seem to be “stupid”. Questions need to
be encouraged so the group as a whole can learn and foundations of knowledge
can be established.
The common basis of knowledge is
essential in any group for moving forward and can save trouble later on in
regard to projects. This is established by people in the group asking questions
to gain knowledge. “Ask – and encourage others to ask – stupid questions
because they have the magical ability to save you from a lot of trouble later
on.”[29]
Questions from members of the group establish what the group does and does not
know. Assumptions made in the early stages of a project or training program can
cause issues if the group does not all know foundational information or
understand the purpose of the project or training project. Such assumptions are
confirmed or denied as a result of questions from the group.
“Encouraging team members to
question, clarify and challenge will help prevent problems, create new and
better solutions and gives the leader the chance to bring the team together.”[30]
Results
“If you don’t ask the stupid questions,
you’ll never know. Ask them, and you’ll be opening up a box of wisdom that
everyone else round the table will appreciate. You win logic and their respect.”[31]
The result of
not asking the question is that the information will not be given and you will
not know the answer to the question. You may be missing out on an opportunity
to widen your world and learn more. The result of asking the so-called “stupid”
question and you will find a lot of information which was assumed and often not
known by a people. People will thank you for having the courage to ask the
question and you will gain respect for asking the question.
The opening
of knowledge is the greatest asset that asking questions can gain. “Great
solutions and insights often start with someone having the guts to ask a 'dumb'
question.”[32]
A different approach can be gained from a new insight from a person asking the
basic questions that no one is willing to ask because they seem “stupid”.
Questions along this line of reasoning can open areas of thought and different
approaches due to the questions made. Always ask the question, the results
might be surprising.
Learning
We ask
questions because we want to know things, to gain knowledge. Each question
asked is a quest to find a piece of knowledge, sometimes it is for an immediate
purpose, and sometimes it is for a future goal. If the question is not asked
then the individual has lost an opportunity to learn and to grow.
“I have been in plenty of
situations where someone has said something, and instead of asking them to
explain or clarify what they'd said so that I could learn, I would let it pass
because I didn't want to sound stupid. On an individual level, this is
counterproductive because it prohibits personal growth.”[33]
We need to
look past any chance of personal embarrassment that a supposed “stupid”
question may result in and look toward the learning that the resulting answer
will give us. To hold back a question is to hold back a chance to learn. It happens
because of fear due to our past, because of the result of previous questions in
which have been demeaned by the people who have been asked or those around us
that has resulted in fear. The important thing to learn is that all questions
have value.
Questions have Value
“Every question has value -- even
so-called dumb questions. In an organization as complicated as Scribe, we
encourage everyone to ask questions all the time. It’s the best way to ensure
everyone understands what we’re doing.”[34]
Regardless of
the situation, in a group there will be different levels of intelligence and
understanding of a situation. The only way that everyone in the group is going
to be put on the same level of understanding with the same amount of
information to hand is to have questions answered by those who do not have the
information. This will make the group more effective at whatever it is doing.
Even in a school where the prime aim is individual learning; there will be a
time where there will be partnered tests or skills. If both the partners are
not on the same level as each other, there will be problems. As a leader of a
group it is important to show that asking questions are valid.
“Take the time to explain
what happens if clarity is not achieved.
So, as soon as possible, show
people it's OK to ask for clarification.”[35]
Leaders need
to demonstrate to their organisations, groups, or social settings that it is
good to ask questions, that it is encouraged. These questions need to
demonstrate that they are to the benefit of the group because they put everyone
on the same level and assist in mutual understanding. They allow the finding of
things which people did not even know were there.
Finding
“From a seemingly dumb question,
we learned about a problem that we didn’t even know existed (and something
about the Ops Coordinator). That’s the value of creating a culture where anyone
can ask any question.”[36]
So-called
“stupid” questions can find holes in mutual understanding; indeed they can find
where mutual understanding is not present. People may assume that everyone
knows what is going on and the direction that they are taking, but unless the
question is asked or the simple facts are stated, it remains unknown. The
stating of such questions reveals what is known.
““STUPID QUESTIONS” ALLOW YOU TO
DISCOVER WHAT IS KNOWN AND UNKNOWN
... not all of my basic questions
were known to everyone on the team, and sometimes the answers varied by
person.”[37]
Unless the
question is asked, the answer is not actually known. An assumption can be made,
but this is only theoretically correct, based on what is known, but it can
still be different. Unless the question is directly asked, the answer is not
known. Assumptions made in social situations can lead to embarrassment, in a
work situation they can lead to costly mistakes, in a martial arts situation
they can lead to painful mistakes. Ask questions discover actual knowledge.
They also discover knowledge about the group.
“Asking questions exposes the
limit of a group’s knowledge, and more importantly, highlights incorrect
assumptions. By asking questions, we eliminate the risk of missing a hidden
improvement opportunity and making decisions without essential information.”[38]
Questions
should be asked about the group as soon as possible so that more can be understood
about each member of the group. These questions should inform members of the
group about other members of the group about their skills and knowledge; so
decisions can be made more accurately about what members can actually do as the
group moves forward. Leaders with this sort of knowledge can then utilise group
members better or focus their learning better. Questions are for learning and
if they are not asked then learning doesn’t happen.
No Learning
If you don’t
ask the “stupid” question, you don’t have to worry about “looking stupid” in
front of the group but, “you can’t learn anything if you don’t ask questions.
And some of the best learning comes from asking so-called dumb questions.”[39]
These elementary questions are simple and aim at the foundation of subjects and
allow the individual to learn about the most elementary parts of a subject. The
result of asking these questions is that the individual understands the subject
better.
“STUPID
QUESTIONS” HELP YOU TO LEARN FASTER
One of the biggest deterrents for
asking questions is the risk of exposing a lack of knowledge. We fear making a
fool of ourselves or wasting people’s time. But by not speaking up and asking
questions you risk not learning enough to contribute to the team.”[40]
“Looking
stupid” in front of a group is less damaging than not having the information
which will assist you to aid the group of which you are a part. If you do not
understand the information which you are being given fully, how are you
supposed to use it? If you do not understand what the aim or purpose of the
group is, how are you supposed to aid them to this purpose or aim? At a
personal level, how are you going to learn about something, if you do not
understand it? Not asking questions risks the chance of not learning.
“You’re not always going to be
the expert in a given topic, but when you shy away from asking questions out of
fear of looking foolish or being irritating, you risk missing a learning
opportunity and slowing your progress.”[41]
Not Alone
“Every time you have a question
in your head, and you’re nervous to ask it for fear of looking dumb, assume
that there are three to five other people in the room with the same question.
Just ask the question.”[42]
In a group of
people, when a question arises, it is likely that there are others in the group
with the same question. The larger the group the higher the chance that the
same question has arisen in their minds. This means that by asking the question
you have, you are helping others, and they will thank you for it. Asking questions
is a way to maximise the usefulness of the team; to encourage this requires
some use of theoretical principles.
Maximise Team
“In order to maximize the
likelihood that somebody in the team asks that so-called “stupid” question that
ends up saving time and money, we need to understand – and play around with –
both human psychology as well as group dynamics.”[43]
These two
theoretical concepts, psychology and group dynamics, are vital in convincing a
team to be forward enough to ask questions of all kinds, and especially the
so-called “stupid” questions, which are some of the most essential to team
effectiveness. Each concept hinges on a part of the make-up of the human being,
how they work with others, and an understanding of how they work will assist in
making the groups work more effectively.
“psychologically, the key reason
why people don't want to ask stupid questions relates to our basic need for
belonging and being accepted by others, as explained in the theory of social
acceptance.”[44]
Everyone
wants to belong at some level, everyone wants acceptance at some level.
Standing up and making yourself stand out, in some form, makes you slightly
apart from the group to begin with. Then, there is the asking of the question,
which could put a person even further apart from the group, if they do not like
the question. Asking questions in a group situation can be a problem.
“The safest thing to do in order
to belong is not to stand out, and act in accordance with the norms of the
group. Asking a challenging question in a team that has not yet gone through
norming is very risky. If you reveal you don’t know something, will that be
admired or frowned upon? When the team has not yet established these kinds of
norms, asking a question is like sticking your neck out while bright spotlights
point at you and enthusiastic, axe-wielding executioners patrol the area. It’s
much safer to keep quiet.”[45]
Not standing
up and asking questions, means that the individual does not stand out, so is
much safer. Asking a question when new to a team is difficult and challenging
because there is the want to belong to the group, without wanting to annoy the
group, and asking questions could annoy them. The norms need to be established
within the group, that asking questions is a part of the norm and is
encouraged. This does not end the problem. The next issue that is faced is that
of group dynamics.
“The second obstacle arises from
group dynamics. The theory of diffusion of responsibility posits that the
larger a group is, the less likely it is that anyone will take responsibility
for a specific task. So a team of two is far more likely to take action than a
team of four in the same situation. Besides team size, specific roles and
expertise give rise to this diffusion of responsibility.”[46]
Group
dynamics shifts the responsibility of a task when it is highlighted through
diffusion of responsibility. This includes the asking of questions. Where a
question needs to be asked, it will be shifted from one person to another to
find the most “appropriate” individual in the group to fulfil the task, this
can result in the task simply not being done as each individual avoids the task
altogether. The simplest answer to this is that the individual who comes up
with the question should ask it. It does not always work out this way.
Questions will be avoided to prevent upsetting the status quo.
Psychological Safety
“There are other patterns stacked
against asking stupid questions as well. Take confirmation bias, for example:
At the beginning of a project, and especially in a consulting setting, we are
looking for confirmation that we are ready for this, and the trust others have
placed in us is justified. And according to the Ostrich effect, if we pretend a
specific risk or problem is not there, it isn’t, and maybe it will go away.
Combined, these psychological phenomena are very much linked to the concept of
psychological safety.”[47]
Questions can
be asked, and answers given or they can be ignored, this can result where it is
more important not to upset the status quo. A group may be in a situation where
a project or process has been committed to and questions raise doubts about
that process; this can be seen as a threat. The result is that the questions
are ignored or pushed to one side as not being important. This is confirmation
bias because the process has been in process and must be right because it is
happening.
In this situation there must be
warning signs and questions asked as to whether the group is taking the
questions seriously. Asking questions which may threaten the status quo of an
established group is something which will make the individual stand out, and
likely that the group does not want to hear. This places many barriers against
asking questions. These are aspects which must be taken into account; “psychology
matters. We are not logical beings, so often we need to help in order to do the
thing we intellectually know is good for us.”[48] Sometimes
the help is challenging and is required to be, just as is the asking of the
question in the first place.
Perspective
“Just because something is easy
for you doesn’t mean it’s easy for other people. Many leaders forget that, so
you dismiss questions as dumb because you already know the answer. That doesn’t
mean it’s dumb -- it just means it’s not obvious to other people.”[49]
Perspective
is an important thing to have in a group, and vital to acknowledge in being an
effective leader. Everyone will not have the same perspective as you do. This
means that the individuals in your group may or may not understand what is
being presented. Likewise, as a team member it is necessary to understand,
other members may not understand the same things as you do. Things will need to
be explained to bring everyone to similar understanding. Equally, the same
differing perspective can be used.
““STUPID
QUESTIONS” PROVIDE A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON HARD PROBLEMS
Sometimes the broad, obvious and
seemingly “stupid” questions can have the greatest impact on a team,”[50]
The seemingly
“stupid” question can give a different perspective about a problem and result
in a different approach to the problem resulting in a solution to the problem.
Differing perspectives expressed in these questions should be utilised to their
fullest capacity rather than disregarded. Additionally, questions should be
encouraged to promote such problem-solving.
“a beginner’s question can
actually be used as a means to reframe the challenge and uncover constraints
that can be missed when we lose sight of the big picture.”[51]
The beginner
has the advantage of seeing the problem with “fresh eyes” which have not been
influenced and programmed by experience. This means that their perspective of a
problem will be different to the more experienced members of the group. The
beginner’s questions about elementary aspects of the project can highlight
areas where a problem may be solved, or a new approach taken, in this way,
beginners should be encouraged to seek knowledge and thus ask questions.
Feedback
“Ask for direct
feedback.
Something can be so clear in your
head, but unless you learn how to give others the information they need (in the
way they need it) in order to execute, both parties will be left in the dark.”[52]
A person can
lecture and present information repeatedly, but without feedback, they do not
know if the information is being processed or accepted. A concept can be clear to
the person who is delivering it, but unless it is clear to the receiver, there are
going to be problems. The only way to figure out whether this is the case is
through feedback. The “noise” between deliverer and receiver can create real
issues in a learning environment, and causes issues in a work environment as
well. It is necessary for leaders to create a culture where giving feedback,
through asking questions is a positive.
“The only reason anyone even
pointed this out to me was because I had created a culture where they felt
comfortable asking stupid questions. They came to me and said, "We don't
know what it is you're talking about. Can you clarify?"”[53]
Leaders need
to create a culture in their workplace, or learning environment, or social
situation, where asking questions is praised and supported. Here, a person who
asks for clarification or further information about something is an asset to
the group. One of the skills which seem to be going by the wayside which gives feedback
is active listening.
Active Listening
“It’s not made easier by the fact
most people these days seem to overlook the value of active listening — one of
the greatest assets of the professional individual yet something consigned to
history by the vast majority. Active listening helps you reflect what you’re
hearing which, by reflecting to your opposite number, helps you remember what
you’ve heard.”[54]
Active
listening involves not just listening, but also paying attention to things like
posture, body movement and other aspects of the delivery of the message, such
as reading the individual’s body language, allowing for a more accurate
interpretation of the message being delivered. By using active listening, an
individual can grasp more information from what is being presented and gain a
greater understanding. With this skill an active listener can also reflect
similar body language, so the presenter can see whether the message is being
understood.
Reading the crowd as the message
is being delivered is important to ensure the message is delivered in the
correct manner and with the correct emphasis. Taking the audience into account,
allows the delivery to be tailored to the audience to enhance comprehension and
retention. Give feedback in the form of questions and body language so they can
understand whether the message is being effectively delivered.
Using Logic
Stupid Questions “Defined”
“[Ink Out Loud] defines stupid questions as:
·
Those questions that have already been answered,
but the asker wasn't listening or paying attention.
·
Questions that can be answered on one’s own with
complete certainty. After all, information found online or from other sources
can be wrong, so it never hurts to check.
·
Questions of which the answer should be
painfully obvious to any person with a pulse who has lived on this Earth for
more than a decade.”[55]
The “stupid” question has been
defined, at least in the context of the above, and many would define them
similarly. The first implies the individual should have been paying attention
or listening to the speaker and so has lost the right to ask the question. If
they are seeking information, and the information is pertinent and important,
it would be better that the group hears the information again rather than not
asking the question.
The second definition contradicts
itself. It indicates a question which can be answered with complete certainty
on the asker’s own, but then indicates that there might still be room for a
question, because the information found online and other sources might be
wrong. Further, if the individual was completely certain of the information
which they had, they would not be asking the question.
Finally, the last one is heavily
culturally-biased. This assumes that the individual has been in the same
culture as the asker and group, in the same political and social, possibly even
economic situation as the asker and the group. Each one of these elements can
change the situation whether a certain piece of information is known. Likewise
there is information which is ten or less years old which people simply forget,
so here the idea that the question might be stupid is denied again. A person
who is asking a question is seeking knowledge, because they don’t know the
answer.
Seeking Knowledge
Seeking knowledge
allows a person to grow. To seek knowledge it is necessary for a person to ask
questions. The idea that a question can be “stupid” is contradictory, “That's
because no question is "stupid" if you don't know already the answer.”[56]
If you don’t know the answer to something, you are not going to be able to find
out about it unless you ask a question. People ask questions all of the time
without even knowing it; they are not always vocalised. Looking for something
is asking a question, “Where is that thing?” A seemingly “stupid” question or
one with an obvious answer to someone may not be to another person; it depends
on the individual’s learning.
“Your questions are valid. You
don’t need to be ashamed of not knowing things, especially things that people
spend their lives learning about. So if you find a friendly person or venue
where you can ask your questions and get satisfactory answers, make the most of
it. You never know what you might learn.”[57]
All questions
are valid because they are seeking information. There is no need to be ashamed
you do not know something. The way to solve this issue is to ask a question to
find out. Experts are more than willing to share their experience and expertise
with you and answer your questions. Questions should never be judged on a scale
of worth.
“judging things like questions is
not beneficial in any way. So, whenever you find yourself thinking, “That's a
stupid question,” complete that thought with, “and I’m glad they asked it!””[58]
The so-called
“stupid” questions which are aimed at the core elements, the essential parts of
things, and sometimes simply reiterate what has been said, are the key to
understanding. They allow people to gain a greater understanding what is being
discussed and thus allow them to participate in the group more fully. Being
judgemental of other people’s questions does not do anyone any good. Questions
allow us to learn about our surroundings and things in it.
Carl Sagan: No Stupid Questions
“Asking “stupid questions” has
not only enabled me to learn at an unprecedented pace, but also given me the
leverage to help teams work together to solve their hardest problems. If you
still don’t believe me, the late Carl Sagan – who was one of the most
well-known astrophysicists of the late twentieth century was likely never
accused of being stupid - had this to say:
"There are naive questions,
tedious questions, ill-phrased questions, questions put after inadequate
self-criticism. But every question is a cry to understand the world. There is
no such thing as a dumb question."”[59]
In the
argument about “stupid” questions it is difficult to argue against one of the
most well-known astrophysicists of the late twentieth century. It could be even
claimed that if anyone was going to get “stupid” questions it would have been
him. He rather claims that the “stupid” question does not exist. Questions are
an attempt to understand the world that the individual lives in, such an
attempt at understanding should not be criticised. There are further examples
of ideas about the “stupid” question.
“A woman, recounting a story
about an old man who used to answer all her "stupid questions",
explained "Chica, if you ask a question it makes you look stupid for 5
minutes – but if you don't ask – you stay stupid for fifty years, so always ask
questions in your life".”[60]
There is the
idea present that the asking of a “stupid” question may make a person look
foolish for a short period of time, but not asking the question will make the
person look foolish for a much longer period of time. This is demonstrated in
situations where a person does not find out all of the information possible
about an activity or project, or does not understand about some aspect of it.
Instead of asking, goes blindly along, making mistakes and costing the project.
“I explained to him that there’s no such thing as a dumb question, but there
are dumb actions.”[61]
The actions here are the result of not asking the question and are directly
linked to one another.
The same
sentiment is found in another quote about “stupid” questions, claiming that if
the question is sincere, then the question is not “stupid”. The sincere wish
for information seems to dissolve any idea that the question may have an issue
of any kind.
“A 1970 Dear Abby column in The
Milwaukee Sentinel said: "There is no such thing as a stupid question if
it's sincere. Better to ask and risk appearing stupid than to continue on your
ignorant way and make a stupid mistake.””[62]
The same then
discusses that it is better to ask the question rather than proceed along
without the information and continue along being ignorant and making stupid
mistakes. The initial question staves off the mistake that is made and likely
saves the individual a lot of effort. Where there is a question, an answer
should be sought. Often this will save you trouble later on, and possibly
prevent having to repeat or fix mistakes that could have otherwise been
avoided.
Conclusion
The previous discussions
have presented other examples how questions are important to learning. Further,
that not asking a question can be much worse than asking the question in the
long run. Questions tell us about the world around us and should not be judged.
The
definition the concept of the “stupid” question is a contradiction; how can an
act of asking for information, indicate an unintelligent act or one which has a
lack of reasoned thinking? The two simply do not match, they contradict one
another, one is the seeking of information while the other a lack of thinking.
Questions need to be thought about to be proposed in the first place, it is
their nature. So, by definition, the concept is contradictory. This does not
stop our past experiences from intruding and stopping us asking questions.
In our past
there will have been times when we asked a question and were rebuked for it
because it was seen as a “stupid” question. The result being that there is now
a fear attached to asking questions, especially in group situations, because
the question might be a “stupid” one. This builds a fear of looking stupid in
front of a group because we lack a piece of knowledge. But knowledge is gained
by asking questions. This can lead to real problems.
There is a
fear about asking questions, because of the perceived impression that asking a
particular question might give, then questions are not asked. Often, people
will go on their merry way with their assumptions about things, or without
knowing things. This often leads to mistakes, and can lead to costly mistakes,
which could have been simply solved by asking a question in the first place.
One of the ideas advocating asking
questions is it is better to ask and look foolish for a short period of time
than go off and do something and end up doing foolish things, or looking even
more foolish because the question was not asked.
Questions
need to be encouraged. People need to ask more questions and we need to
encourage them in all our groups. The best way to do this is to ask questions.
This is especially important if we are the leaders. The others will follow the
example of the leaders and if they see leaders asking questions, they will ask
questions. Promotion of this culture in a group can only increase learning and
understanding in the group and this can only be a good thing.
Questions are
attached to group dynamics and psychology. There is no doubt of this. These
concepts need to be harnessed to the advantage of the group. Standing up and
asking questions need to become the norm rather than deviance in the group.
Ensure that it is emphasised that every time that a person asks a question that
they are acknowledged as giving to the group rather than taking away from the
group. They should be thanked for asking the question rather than rebuked.
Create a culture of positive enquiry in your group and it will be to its benefit.
The concept
of the “stupid” question should be actively denied, especially in groups and
teams. This can be only to the betterment of the group and the community as a
whole. A situation in which an individual is not afraid to get the information
that they need is what is needed. A situation in which the individual can ask
any question of the group and get an answer to that question can only be of
benefit. It must be noted that the questions which are of greatest benefit are
the ones which are reasoned, thus have thought put into them, but this does not
deny the usefulness of other questions.
We learn and
we find things out by asking questions. We do this all of the time without even
knowing that we are doing it. We are always on the search for knowledge. We
should not be denying knowledge to anyone just because the question that they
are asking may seem obvious to us or any other reason. If the information is
worth presenting, it is worth repeating. Encourage the asking of questions and
reduce the social fear of asking them.
Appendix 1: Definitions
Stupid
Merriam-Webster (2020a)
“1 a: slow of
mind : OBTUSE
b: given to unintelligent
decisions or acts : acting in an unintelligent or careless manner
c: lacking intelligence or reason
: BRUTISH
2: dulled in feeling or sensation : TORPID
3: marked by or resulting from unreasoned thinking or acting
: SENSELESS
4 a: lacking
interest or point
b: VEXATIOUS, EXASPERATING”
Dictionary.com (2020a)
1.
lacking ordinary quickness and keenness of mind;
dull.
2.
characterized by or proceeding from mental
dullness; foolish; senseless:
3.
tediously dull, especially due to lack of
meaning or sense; inane; pointless:
4.
annoying or irritating; troublesome:
5.
in a state of stupor; stupefied:
Wiktionary (2020a)
1.
Lacking in intelligence or exhibiting the
quality of having been done by someone lacking in intelligence.
2.
To the point of stupor.
3.
(archaic) Characterized by or in a state of
stupor; paralysed.
4.
(archaic) Lacking sensation; inanimate;
destitute of consciousness; insensate.
5.
Dulled in feeling or sensation; torpid
6.
(slang) Amazing.
7.
(slang) Darn, annoying.
Question
Merriam-Webster (2020)
1 a (1): an interrogative expression often
used to test knowledge
(2): an
interrogative sentence or clause
b: a subject or aspect in dispute
or open for discussion : ISSUE
broadly :
PROBLEM, MATTER
c (1): a subject or point of debate or a
proposition to be voted on in a meeting
(2): the
bringing of such to a vote
d: the specific point at issue
2 a: an act or
instance of asking : INQUIRY
b: INTERROGATION
also : a judicial or official
investigation
c: torture as part of an
examination
d (1):
OBJECTION, DISPUTE
(2): room for
doubt or objection
(3): CHANCE,
POSSIBILITY
Dictionary.com (2020)
1.
a sentence in an interrogative form, addressed
to someone in order to get information in reply.
2.
a problem for discussion or under discussion; a
matter for investigation.
3.
a matter of some uncertainty or difficulty;
problem (usually followed by of):
Wiktionary (2020)
1.
A sentence, phrase or word which asks for
information, reply or response; an interrogative.
2.
A subject or topic for consideration or
investigation.
3.
A doubt or challenge about the truth or accuracy
of a matter.
4.
A proposal to a meeting as a topic for
deliberation.
Appendix 2: Analysis
Stupid
Merriam-Webster (2020a) Data:
“1 a: slow of
mind : OBTUSE
b: given to unintelligent
decisions or acts : acting in an unintelligent or careless manner
c: lacking intelligence or reason
: BRUTISH
3: marked by or resulting from unreasoned thinking or acting
: SENSELESS
Merriam-Webster (2020a) Analysis:
“2” and “4” removed as irrelevant to the discussion in
relation to the asking of a question. The definition focuses on “stupid” being
unintelligent or indicating an unintelligent act, further that such comes from
a lack of reasoning or thinking.
Dictionary.com (2020a) Data:
1.
lacking ordinary quickness and keenness of mind;
dull.
2.
characterized by or proceeding from mental
dullness; foolish; senseless:
3.
tediously dull, especially due to lack of
meaning or sense; inane; pointless:
Dictionary.com (2020a) Analysis:
“4” and “5” removed as irrelevant to the discussion as
relation to the asking of a question. The definition focuses on
slowness/dullness of mind, foolishness, pointlessness, lack of meaning or
sense. This again relates to a lack of reasoning or thinking.
Wiktionary (2020a) Data:
1.
Lacking in intelligence or exhibiting the
quality of having been done by someone lacking in intelligence.
Wiktionary (2020a) Analysis:
“2”, “3”, “4” and “5” removed as irrelevant to the
discussion as relation to the asking of a question. “6” and “7” removed as
irrelevant as they are slang terms rather than proper terms, also not related
to the asking of a question. The definition focuses on a lack of intelligence
or exhibiting a lack of intelligence, thus is quite narrow and shows why the
broader search is most useful.
Question
Merriam-Webster (2020) Data:
2 a: an act or
instance of asking : INQUIRY
Merriam-Webster (2020) Analysis:
“1” and “2b” to 2d” removed as not appropriate to the type
of “question” being discussed in this investigation. The definition is of an
act or instance of asking.
Dictionary.com (2020) Data:
1
a sentence in an interrogative form, addressed
to someone in order to get information in reply.
Dictionary.com (2020) Analysis:
“2” and “3” removed as not appropriate to the type of
“question” being discussed in this investigation. The definition focuses on a
request for information.
Wiktionary (2020a) Data:
Wiktionary (2020)
1
A sentence, phrase or word which asks for
information, reply or response; an interrogative.
3
A doubt or challenge about the truth or accuracy
of a matter.
Wiktionary (2020a) Analysis:
“2” and “4” removed as not appropriate to the type of
“question” being discussed in this investigation. The definition focuses on
request for information or a challenge to the accuracy or a matter.
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