In my experience, the power of asking so-called "dumb" questions cannot be understated. It's a peculiar quality, but I suspect it's one that will largely contribute to my success down the line.
In my work, where I'm often the representative of the end user for highly technical products, I've carved out a lane where asking these "dumb" questions is essential. If a product's design is confusing, it's my job to cut through that complexity, to understand it, and to explain it in a way that everyone can grasp.
Interestingly, I've found that these "dumb" questions I ask aren't just beneficial for me; they're useful to others as well. Many people are hesitant to seem ignorant, so they nod along with a project that doesn't make sense to them. They may assume that their confusion stems from their lack of understanding, rather than considering that the product might be poorly designed.
But that's often not the case. Sometimes, even the most brilliant engineers overlook certain aspects or fail to question their design decisions enough. By asking these questions, I'm challenging them to design a product that is not just innovative but also accessible and easy to understand.
This process of asking questions doesn't just make a product better – it adds more value to the work we do. And let me tell you, if a team can't handle your "dumb" questions or feels too superior to answer them, they're simply not the right fit. That kind of intellectual arrogance has no place in a team that aims to build an inclusive, revolutionary movement. You need people who are open to questioning if they are working on the highest leverage thing and designing it efficiently and elegantly.
And the fun part? By asking these questions, you not only better understand the product yourself, but you also encourage more such questions to be asked. The product gets better, becomes more intuitive. It paints you as someone courageous and helpful. It also helps you identify and filter out those who don't have the patience or the character to entertain your perfectly reasonable inquiries.
So, don't shy away from asking "dumb" questions. Embrace them. You'll be surprised at how much you can learn and how much you can contribute to making something better.