“There’s no such thing as a stupid question.”

That’s a lie.

When we’re learning, it’s right that we shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions. We should be willing to put ourselves in the vulnerable position of showing that we don’t understand something, because that’s often one of the best ways to learn.

But we have to realize that these questions don’t come for free. The questions we ask give the other party a view into our understanding.

I’d be laughed out of the room if I asked one of my customers how an electric motor worked. That would be an obvious signal that I didn’t understand the topic well enough to be any use for them as they struggle with their future product development for electrified vehicles. A basic understanding of the core principles of the topic is a prerequisite for even starting a conversation.

We shouldn’t be afraid to ask thoughtful questions to gain understanding.

But we also have to realize that we can shoot ourselves in the foot by asking the wrong question at the wrong time.

-Brandon