“Sometimes we get so caught up in appearing smart that we become afraid to ask the questions that will actually make us smart.”
John Hawkins
S/he who asks the questions holds the power! This couldn’t be truer in an educational environment, yet it seems to be an area of learning where so many of us hold back. For a select few, asking questions comes naturally – a function of curiosity, self-confidence and emotional intelligence.
Most of us, however, don’t ask enough questions and in doing so, we sabotage our own development. The great news is that asking questions is a skill, and the more you practice, the better you will get at it.
Here are 3 great reasons to be curious and ask questions:
- Asking questions builds knowledge: Your teachers and mentors don’t have all the answers! Thinking that they know everything will limit the scope of your understanding. Ask more, and you will learn more.
- You advance in your field: By asking questions, you are taking psychological ownership of your learning. Instead of waiting for information to be given to you, you are actively reflecting on your own information needs, and this elevates your personal development.
- You develop your perspectives: You adapt to the speed of learning. Questions enable you to see the same set of facts from a new vantage point and in doing so, create a new reality. Real understanding lives in new perspectives.
The first step in becoming a better questioner is simply to ask more questions. Get asking and unlock your potential!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Raun Billet CA(SA) – Senior Tax Lecturer at Milpark Education
Raun is the head of Taxation at CA Connect. He has extensive teaching experience at the tertiary level and believes strongly in the importance of empowering young South Africans through education. Raun has also been involved in lecturing and tutoring at the University of Cape Town for a number of years. In addition to being a Chartered Accountant, he holds Honours degrees in Finance and Financial Management from the University of Cape Town.
