If you don't ASK, the answer is always going to be a NO!

How many times do we hesitate asking a question because what if this question doesn't make sense? Will I look stupid? How many times have these questions crossed our minds whenever we want to ask a question, ask for favor, or help from someone?

As a working professional, you might want to ask more questions to chase your curiosity, ask for a promotion, talk about a salary raise and we always think what if this doesn't go well with the other person.

Time for a simple story

When I was working in a Consulting/ Advisory role in Tax & Regulatory line of business, I always focused on getting more breadth in terms of my projects. I felt that was my way of understanding what I want to do in the long run instead of working on similar type of projects. Usually when we do our performance reviews, we ask our Managers/ Bosses - What have we done well? Where can we improve? What's next etc.? During one such review, I asked my Manager, 'I know our team doesn't have projects in the Manufacturing sector. Is there any way I can get an opportunity to work on such a project even if it's side of the desk'.

I thought a lot before asking this question because I didn't want to offend my Boss or come across as not enjoying the work etc. This was just an attempt to get more breadth under my belt to build on my skills.

My Manager made a note of it and then after few days, I got an email that I was going to work on exactly what I had asked for that too as one of the lead. Usually we worry about will it be perceived by anyone for that matter. Will they stop liking me or develop any grudge etc.? Key point is that the project gave me a flavor of what I had been wanting to do and made me understand whether I wanted to do more projects focused on Operations full time or not. It's a simple story of how we can inculcate this habit of always asking for something without assuming the response.

Hence, whenever I'm in a situation when I'm thinking if I should ask for something or not, I always ask myself, what's the worst-case scenario - They will say NO! Does that change anything in my present situation, NOT AT ALL!

BUT if you end up getting what you want, you have a WIN right there.

Whenever you are in a dilemma regarding what we just discussed above, remember If you don’t ask the answer is always going to be NO so just go for it!