Why Aren’t You Asking Questions?


Self-sufficiency indeed brings traits of leadership into fruition. Independent work culture provides a sense of efficiency and inconvenience since employees and management continue without the pressure of contribution. In other words, everyone is accountable for their own work. However, the cons inspired by independent work environments actually compromise progression. 

Convenience doesn’t always represent productivity. Independent workplace culture endorses issues such as:

  • Inability of talent retention

  • Lower job performance

  • Lack of innovation

  • Increased stress environment

  • Inability to reach employee potential

  • Capping employee comfort (which prevents quality production)

  • Eliminates united objective as each department develops self-serving prospects


On the basis of experience and extensive research HRMatrix has conjured a list of preventative reasons employees and management commonly harbor which prevent a contributing environment. Self recognition is admitting, and admitting is the first step before pursuing a full fledged and successful career. 

  1. The Premonition of People’s Lack of Ability to Assist

A majority of us are under the impression that our colleagues prefer to stick to their own talk or department and to ask them for help would be an act of burden, but rethink that for your benefit! It is not a selfish motive to need someone’s help. A driving fear is rejection, yes? So instead of combatting that fear, we conjure realistic scenarios to keep us self-sufficient.

We start to think that our colleagues are most likely unable to provide information/guidance that pertains to your department’s prospect. Well, try to think of it this way, prejudgement will keep you complacent, but if you reach out, you might end up progressing. It is never a step back. Worst case scenario, you’ll be at square one, or best case, you will end up moving forward! 


  1. We Have an Unreasonable Preference for Self-Reliability

Do you rely on yourself because you prefer it or because you have to? Self-reliance is promulgated as the most efficient workplace archetype, and yes, it is important to primarily be able to produce quality work by yourself, but what happens when you need help immediately? What happens when you can’t answer a question for yourself? Do you just “Google it”? No.

A lack of self-sufficiency is not a weakness, sometimes it is a necessity in order to be a part of your business. It is a skill. Contribution and necessary dependence is a leadership skill, because a united workforce is far more valued than its opposing. Ask questions and seek advice from your coworkers and superiors as it is a route of growth! 


  1. Standardized Procedures Serve as an Obstruction

Procedures are a basic element of every workplace to keep departments and employees in their lanes as mentioned above. It’s good to keep colleagues aligned, because yes, everyone should primarily tend to their designated responsibilities, but they aren’t iron bumpers. A prominent concern for an employee is, before asking for help they consider their company’s organized procedures as if it is the first thing their colleagues will refer to when they are in fact asked to contribute advice. That’s not the case. Your colleagues are your equals, you are no less for needing help, and they feel that way too! 


  1. You Don’t Know How to Ask for Help

Well that’s nothing to be ashamed of. It should not keep you from speaking up. This can be put into a formulated, procedural method to make it easier for you to acquire the assistance needed. Some of us cannot casually walk up and ask questions, and it’s okay. If your company is of an independent culture, then yes, you’re not going to be used to striking up that sort of conversation. First, think of the appropriate person to ask. Is their line of work relevant to the information you need to acquire? Then, design a question that clearly states your needs, and send an email requesting ten to fifteen minutes from them for this particular discussion. 

 

Conclusion

Sometimes you have to break that threshold of independent work culture, and that’s okay! Asking questions is a good thing, and HRMatrix is designed to guide you towards success. Do not shy away from workplace contribution, because let’s say if you were in the position of guiding your fellow colleague. Wouldn’t you want to help?