The Prudent I Don t Know

The Prudent I Dont Know

You should always be so well prepared that you dont fall into the trap of asking inappropriate questions that can uncover your lack of preparation and annoy your manager. On the other hand, lack of grit is what keeps many programmers from asking questions that are entirely appropriatein fact, called for.

Joe Cohill, Director of Business Analysis at a large apparel manufacturing company near Philadelphia, lacks patience for programmers reluctance to speak up when theres something they dont understand. His mantra is, Question everything. People tend to do things the way theyve always done thembecause they dont ask questions. I have been in meetings where all the programmers were nodding as if they understood, and then someone asked a question, and it turned out that nobody understood theyd been pretending.

Assume nothing. Ask questions when theres something you dont understand. When you speak up, you verify your understanding of the task and avoid costly blunders. And thats good for your career.