Do You Know the Questions to Ask to Get the Answers You Need

If you had an opportunity to ask only one question to save your job, what question would you ask? Think about a situation in which you are under the threat of job loss. What question would you ask to preserve your livelihood? You only have one chance and you may ask only one question. Now, ask the question that will give you the answer that will save your job. The question “may I call my attorney” does not count.

If you are like many social workers and other hard working professionals, you are thinking about situations that might cause you to lose your job. I imagine that you are also thinking of all the questions you could possibly ask. Why? What did I do? What happened? What do you mean? May I call my attorney? How did this happen? May I talk to your boss? Who made this decision? Where did you get that information?

Some of you may think that a smart question depends on the details of a situation. That may be true, but I deliberately did not give you details. First, this exercise is to encourage you to think broadly. Second, the question you should ask can be applied to a number of work related situations. Third, this particular question covers all work related activities and experiences.

So, let me lower the ante a bit. The last line in most job descriptions includes the words “and other duties as assigned.” What question would you ask if you were told to complete tasks that posed safety, professional or ethical concerns? Once again you only have one opportunity and you may ask only one question.

Knowing smart questions to ask will provide you with the answers you need to save you from heartache on the job. I will share the question that is the focus of this post at the end. I will also share other smart questions in a new YouTube series for social workers and hard working professionals who want to boost their career opportunities or income.

My YouTube series will provide an in-depth discussion of the smart questions you need to ask. Additionally, I will share the reason the questions relate to your career or income boosting activities. Finally, I will suggest ways to gain answers to your questions. This is a conversation and you are invited to share your experiences with other viewers and me.

Oh yes, the question I believe that will save your job is “what does the policy say?”

I work with social workers and hard working professionals who want to be happy. I would love to hear from you. You may join the conversation by commenting on this post on our Facebook fan page REAL Social Workers Online Magazine, or connecting with me on LinkedIn. You may also connect with our sister site Happyhalfhour.club on Instagram @happyin30 for relaxation tips and updates on the launch of the new series.