In some spheres of work and living, questions are not welcome. That attitude creates a wall when it comes to innovation and positive change. When questions are not welcome, and answers not forthcoming, that stymies good growth and change.
For example, yesterday a child noticed that I didn't do something that other educators did. He asked me why. I explained my rationale. He was satisfied and gained another way to look at a situation. The same thing happened last week when a child wanted a privilege that I was not able to provide. I explained the situation, and she understood. Then yesterday there was a situation when an unfair circumstance occurred. Rather than try to convince a child that it was fair, I acknowledged that we needed to work more to make that situation fair for all. In all of these circumstances, it was clearly the best path to be open to questions and to answer those questions with good rationale and honesty.
What do you do when questions are not welcome? How do you react? Do you not ask the questions or do you push forward and ask the questions anyway?
In a situation like this recently, I was afraid to ask a question. I was afraid of the response I would probably get. In the end, I asked the question. I may get an answer and I may not, but no one should scare you away from asking questions, especially questions that will help you do your work well.
Questioning is an essential avenue to good learning and living. Of course it is essential to ask questions with respect. Onward.
