I was at a city hall meeting in Tacoma last month and a stranger's question changed how I ask for help.

We were talking about park cleanups, and this guy stood up and said 'Can someone explain the exact steps to get a permit for a community garden, starting from zero?' Instead of just asking for help, he gave a clear starting point. I realized my own questions were too vague. Now I always try to frame my asks with a specific situation. What's the best way you've found to ask a clear question when you need info?

3 comments

3 Comments

mila_harris20d ago

Start by naming the exact problem you're stuck on, not just the general topic. Like, instead of asking how to fix a leak, say "my kitchen sink has a slow drip from the faucet handle even after I tightened it." That gives people a real starting point to work from.

brooke_miller20d ago

Wait, did you say this was at a city hall meeting in Tacoma? I'm shocked anyone there actually asked a clear question. Every time I've gone it's just people complaining in circles for three hours. That guy is a genius. I've started doing the same thing at work, like instead of asking how a report works, I'll say "I need to pull last Tuesday's sales numbers for the east region and I can't find the filter." People jump to help because they know exactly what's broken. It saves everyone so much time.

drew_bennett2419d ago

Exactly! Mila_Harris nailed it with that sink example, same principle at my old office.