Why do you hesitate in asking a question?
Seven years ago, I went to Singapore. Day two, I was in a meeting room packed with Business users explaining requirements. I was excited. I gave all my ears to the proceedings.
Fifteen mins into the meeting, and I was not following the topics discussed. My team members looked calm. Tension started building-up in me. I focused for another 10 mins. “Have I forgotten everything in the jet lag?”, a doubt surfaced.
“The process might be obvious, everyone might be knowing. If I ask, will I look stupid? I may lose face even before performing. What will my client manager think about the question?” There was a self-imposed pressure to do well. Tension turned into fear, and it paralysed me. Quotes and
I stopped the stories I was telling myself. I asked a question. I don’t know how it sounded, it allowed me to settle myself. It was a step forward. Why was I hesitant? Because I had to break the pattern. I had to interrupt the user. I had to break the flow of events. I had to change the course of a flowing river. I had to pick up the first plate in a wedding reception. The fear of being judged grew on me.
What self-stories stop you from asking questions?
