Just Ask

“If you’re not sure, just ask” is an all-too-common conclusion to training days and induction materials.  It’s an easy throw-away line that should be more considered.  The other, similar one is concluding with, “Ask your supervisor”. 

Firstly, the supervisor sometimes doesn’t know either, and that makes it awkward for everyone.  Secondly, it puts the onus on the asker to come up with a clear question.  If they aren’t sure, they might not even know what question to ask.   

Thirdly, and most importantly, is a person shouldn’t need to be told it’s an option to ask, it should be a given.