1

Should I ask silly questions at workplace?

4 years ago from , UI/UX designer

Compared with western culture, my cultural background is conservative and introverted. Therefore, when I was a junior UI/UX designer in an agency, I was always afraid to talk a lot, especially not to question the design and decisions of senior designers. Even if I had some questions, I was not brave enough to ask my colleagues, for fear that my silly questions would make me look unprofessional.

I think the reason why I can get this job must be because I am very professional and know all the tasks well, so if I ask silly questions or show anything that makes me look unfamiliar with what I am gonna do or doing then my supervisor or teammates would look down on me.

I know this may be wrong but maybe it's because I'm not confident enough. I'm here to ask you what you think of your fellow designers asking silly questions at the workplace. Does anyone like his subordinates to ask him silly questions or challenge them? What do you think of a junior designer who questions your work?

4 comments

  • monaalexandra -monaalexandra -, 4 years ago

    I am a senior at an agency and I always encourage asking questions. I often say "there are no silly or stupid questions". If you want to learn, you need to ask sometimes and that's totally fine. In my opinion, a senior who is looking down on a junior for asking something is an idiot and maybe not fit for the role – sorry for putting it that harshly, haha.

    The same goes for anyone really. Anyone can ask questions, if it's the boss, the junior the intern, the senior. It doesn't matter. If they want to know something or don't understand something, just ask. In my experience people are happy to answer or help to find the answer :)

    P.S. In case you haven't heard of it, I'd like to point you to the new DN subreddit ;)

    1 point
  • Michael Charles, 9 months ago

    Silly questions are a great way to break the ice with your coworkers, or even with people you just met. They show that you're interested in them and want to get to know them better and you can visit here https://opportunitydesk.org/2022/04/18/how-to-help-a-high-school-student-choose-a-career/ to find the right career after school. You can ask questions in formal situations, as well as informal ones. If you're at a networking event and someone mentions that they're looking for a job, ask if they'd be willing to answer some questions about their experience and knowledge.

    0 points
  • Duke CavinskiDuke Cavinski, 4 years ago

    I'm a senior, 15+ prof experience, and it sounds like I would totally enjoy working with you, so there's that.

    0 points
  • Frederick AndersenFrederick Andersen, 4 years ago

    Never stop asking questions, Rachel. It doesn't matter if you're an intern, senior designer or the CEO. Questions spark conversation, which typically leads to new ideas and growth.

    If your workspace—or your colleagues—doesn't encourage asking questions, they have a problem.

    0 points