[Foo Fighter]

I am excited for my new job but I'm worried I'm going to bother people asking for help or ask something that they will think is a dumb question. As far back as I can remember I've hated asking for help. It just felt embarrassing. First job help as either not available or I was made to feel stupid for asking. (Why didn't you pick up on this in training, do you have a learning disability?, etc). Current job no one asks but I keep finding I have to call because there are no cheat sheets or something pops up that needs someone with more expertise to answer. I reluctantly asked but I always say "I have a really stupid question, but how do I do this?" or "Dumb question, but did I do this right?" The job I'm going into is going to be busier and I'm afraid I'll be a bother if I ask too many questions. I'm bringing a notebook to take notes in (I do better if I have it written down and cheat sheets help keep it straight) but eventually I'll have to ask....How do you do it without feeling you've asked the dumbest question in history?

[reb569]

No question is dumb. If anyone makes you feel dumb for asking it's on them not you.

I was going to recommend taking notes, but you're already planning to do that.

Hang in there.

[leejosepho]

Agreed. ^^ There is no such thing as a stupid or dumb question even though some people might seem to seldom ever need to ask.

Suggestion: Change "How do *I* do this?" to "How do *we* do this?" or "What is the best way you have found for doing this?"

[Teddy Bear]

How else would you know if you don't ask questions

At most workplaces, people are especially open to people who ask about policies and how to do things things when you are new. Many times, policies have been written down somewhere and it is a matter of asking where this guidance can be found. Whenever I had down time, I found it useful to read regulations and policies.

[Minnow]

another helpful idea is to take screen shots of where you're hung up, assuming it's on the computer. You can print them and write your notes on it. Most manuals have lots of screen shots on what to do in each spot. Maybe you could make a better training manual for your company if what they have is lacking info. Nothing stupid about that!

[reb569]

I have a co-worker who built her own manual for her job. That is what she needed to do to remember everything she needed to do. I have a lot of respect for her for taking the time to do that and keeping it up-to-date. She took the position over from me so I trained her and she asked me a lot of questions for a long period of time.

She is well respected for knowing her job and doing it well, and being a very hard worker.

[Turtle_Rider]

I agree with others. It's not stupid to ask for help, especially if you are new. Make a mistake because you're not willing to ask is far more embarrassing than asking help.

Aside for taking notes, you can google the people's experiences in similar field.

[Foo Fighter]

Update...I feel a little bit better because everyone asks and the lead guy training me is sort of new and he typically asks questions so I don't feel as afraid. Still working with the boss but I noticed that everyone asks and there isn't one single go to person.

[Foo Fighter]

Originally Posted by Hopingtrying

At most workplaces, people are especially open to people who ask about policies and how to do things things when you are new. Many times, policies have been written down somewhere and it is a matter of asking where this guidance can be found. Whenever I had down time, I found it useful to read regulations and policies.

I have found on the Intranet where I work we can print off the lab procedures so I have been doing that and writing down notes as well.

[sito]

I have been to work places where They frown upon asking questions. They do perceive those questions as stupid.

I have to hunt down answers on internet.