Why "The Myth of Stupid Questions?"

Asking a question is a temporary embarrassment that many of us choose to avoid because we're afraid of being judged. Yet, don't we often later regret holding back questions? 

In the best new hire experience I've had to date, the trainer often reminded us that we had full permission to repeat questions if we couldn't remember the first time. She understood that it takes a while for knowledge to take hold. She knew that if we were too scared to ask questions, our work was more likely to suffer.

We've all been in a group of people too scared to say they can't hear from the back. Sometimes we're afraid to speak up. Have you ever been certain that the entire class is completely lost, but no one speaks up? 

Quality training experiences lead to quality performances. In the weeks leading up to my first facilitation, I thought about the environment I wanted to create. I wanted to reinforce learners' full freedom to ask questions. I wanted learners to let go of judging their questions as "stupid." I have been so pleased with the results, in which learners can be frank about what they truly need, and go on to be outstanding performers and mentors.

I don't believe in stupid questions. 

As a facilitator, I am wasting time if my audience has no idea what I'm talking about and is too paralyzed to speak up. I never want them to be self-conscious. I am grateful for learners' willingness to show me the gaps they need me to fill, and it is my responsibility to create an environment where they feel comfortable doing so.

I have joyfully worn many "hats" in L&D besides facilitation. I named this portfolio after my shirking of "stupid questions" because I am a learner-focused professional, and I believe in speaking up.