Questioning Intelligently: Debunking the Myth of No Stupid Questions

Ronak Agrawal
Dec 11, 2022
3 min read

[Dec 11, 2022]

There are no stupid questions

We have often heard that in many instances; and I mostly agree with the premise. However, it's essential to recognize that within the realm of questioning, another category often surfaces.

If you have been part of meetings or conversations where there is often a question that seems redundant, misplaced, and irksome, to say the least, and you think, 'We would have been better off without it! then you possibly have witnessed what I like to call a lazy question

Questions have cost

Know that every question has a cost. The cost is in terms of the focus and attention that it costs the group.

An expensive question exhibits several characteristics

Diverts attention and strays from the current discussion topic.
Is marked by a lack of clarity and ambiguity.
Originates from a deficiency in cognitive effort, as evidenced by an insufficient allocation of cognitive resources.
Compels the speaker or communicator to interrupt their conversational flow.
Has previously been addressed, suggesting a failure in attentiveness.
So, while I agree that there are no stupid questions and questioning should be encouraged for it is an expression of empowerment among the folks/teams; know that lazy questions are seldom welcome.

Lazy questions - What questions are lazy?

These questions are asked without thought or effort
These lack genuine engagement or curiosity

Spotting a lazy question

The answer to this becomes obvious while presenting the question itself
Is often masked under ambiguous/ loosely framing
Often lacks depth and context

Why would then anyone ask a lazy question?

Based on my experience so far, there could be a variety of reasons, some of which I experienced during the pandemic when we had a lot of remote meetings!!!

I am aware that this might put someone on the spot and I am willing to take that risk. Let’s go.

Lack of Interest

Based on my experience, lazy questions often come from folks who lack interest or have lost focus long ago in the conversation. They are just going through the motions without genuine curiosity.

While you could blame the lack of interest in the pizza for lunch causing low energy/attention, it is what it is.

Fear of Judgement

Often people stick to surface-level questions only because they think that they would be judged if they don’t contribute to the discussion by asking a question.

Honestly, I have been there myself at one point in time so I understand.

Why are we discussing this at length?

Lazy questions hurt more than silence.

Shallow Conversation

The interaction then becomes superficial and stalls the ability to simulate meaningful discussion. The group ends up having more barriers than bridges by the end of the conversation.

Missed Opportunities

This one I feel is the most underrated impact of lazy questions. The group loses opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the topic under discussion which hinders personal/professional growth.

A lazy question could also block a stupid/not-so-stupid question owning to time constraints.

A way out?

Commit, don’t multi-task

During the conversation, don’t try to do multiple things(slack off!). Commit to the conversation.

If you think this is a conversation where you neither create/receive/add value, obliged to move out.

Have clarity on why you need to know what you are about to know and that should motivate you enough to be in the conversation for longer.

Practice Active Listening

Listen to the question asked by folks, and try to assimilate the POV of the question asked. Pay attention to responses.

Reflection

Consider the purpose of the question before asking and try to be specific about the question. Almost always, nobody wins in the race of asking the question quickly.

This will allow you to evaluate if the question adds value to the conversation.

Finally, know that every question has a cost and someone needs to pay for it. Be mindful of your questioning habits.