I would honestly say that my best educational years actually came during my college and university period. Never before had I enjoyed a better time in my educational career than during my post-secondary period. And I guess once reason I really enjoyed my time as a varsity student was simply because I had a greater opportunity to ask more questions, to raise issues with my professors, and to really listen and learn from their replies.
I remember back in university we actually had a Executive-on-residence. Because Windsor was the automotive capital of Canada, it was no wonder that our Exec-on-residence was a senior manager (could have been a VP I think) from a large auto-company in the US and I distinctively remember him coming to one of our marketing class one night to introduce himself to us and to talk to us about branding and product design.
It was a good experience as we really got to interact and ask questions with the Executive. For me personally, that is just one of the many many experiences I have encountered whereby I would actually visit and have chats with my professors during their visiting hours. Either that, or I would never hesitate to ask questions in class (although I gotta admit asking questions in a big auditorium can seem intimidating) but I am glad in a way I asked alot of questions during my university years because that culture has continued on with me up to this very day.
Of course I am not saying that one should not read up and just blindly ask questions – in fact reading up and asking questions later helps you refine your questions even better – an obvious fact but still worth mentioning!
Today in my own work place, I still do ask questions and I am truly blessed to be part of a company culture that encourages employees to be open and to always seek out help. In fact that is one of our company’s core value – to network with each other and ask questions and of course contribute to answers wherever possible!
I guess in hindsight I would say that never be shy to ask questions. It’s one of the many ways we learn in life…and don’t worry about “looking dumb” in front of others or worrrying what others might think of you. Too often that not, most people who ask questions are actually perceived as intelligent and attentive! I remember getting complimented for specifically this attribute when I first started working a couple of years ago!
