How much of what you do during an average day is purely volentery? I mean how much of it is the decision 100% with you over whether you do it or not, with no adverse concequences to swing your decision? My guess – less that 1%. Either your boss, your wife, your son, your neighbour, your Dad, or you firend asked you to do it most of the time.
And that is fine – we will be asking others to do a fair bit for us too (you’re not? Are you sure? You really should start doing so…). But there is one thing you can do to make doing these things more efficient, more satisfying, and to a higher quality – ask a load of questions up front. And what should you ask? Well, as it happens I have a list for you:
1. When does it need to be done by? How long before this deadline do you need it?
2. How long do you think it will take?
3. Where or with who is the information I need to do this held?
4. In what form and format do you want the products/results? Have you got an example you can show me?
5. Is there any costs to this? How do we plan on keeping these in check?
6. Do you want regular updates, regular drafts, or just an end product? Can I give regular updates please?
7. What information do you already have on this? Can I have it?
8. Do you already know what result you are expect/want? Can you tell me up front?
9. Can I get help from other people with this if it is appropriate?
And the tenth question? It is actually one to ask yourself:
10. What can I learn from doing this job/work?
The other benefit of asking these questions is, especially in a work environment, that it is amazing how much more confidence and co-oporation you get by doing so. It shows that you are taking what they have asked you to do seriously, and that you want to do a good job.
So your action points? Well just one today:
- Ask these questions before you start on a job or piece of work
