How many questions a day can I ask my boss without looking stupid?

Question

I just started an engineering job and am learning the ropes. I want to look like I can learn stuff on my own but I feel that is extremely inefficient when my boss can just tell me the answer.

Answer 1

2 sounds about right.

Answer 2

I would first see what questions I can learn on my own, being an Engineer there should be many resources available for you to find out answers to common questions. If you're stuck on how to do something, or how a procedure is, by all means ask. I would ask your boss if there a co-worker that could mentor you, and then you could ask the co-worker questions. If you're in a position where its a small company and its you and the boss, then I would list the questions that I could not find the answers to in a reasonable amount of time. I would also ask if he had any resources available to teach you: such as documentation, flow-charts, etc that can assist you. Finally do not feel foolish or stupid if you're asking questions. Training takes time and I know from personal experience that I always asked many questions upon how to do things to gain an understanding of how a process was done, for different companies have different ways of getting the job done, and what works at one company, does not work at all at another, always find out the proper procedures.

Sometimes it would take several explanations before I would grasp a difficult concept and that is expected. It takes time to learn how things are done, and that is part of training and learning. The worst mistake is not to ask the question and to take too long in figuring things out. Like you said its extremely inefficient when your boss can give you the answer. The reason is productivity is important, so while researching an answer is certainly a viable and a good option, if it is a time sensitive project, it's always best to go to your boss for clarification. Your boss will appreaciate it when you get the project completed on time.

Answer 3

If the company has an internal website that you can access and look for answers, I'd try that first and then ask questions. At least try to find the answer on your own and then if you don't locate the answer or you feel that the answer is not clear enough, then ask. Did the department take you through a couple of weeks of training when you came on board or did they hire you and you hit the department running?

If the question is a matter of company operating procedures by all means ask first. However, if the question pertains to the job, a task that you were hired to do because you already possess the knowledge, I'd strongly suggest you look to department procedures as how to handle the issue. Bottom line is, you are going to have to learn the procedures and where to locate the information. Your boss has other responsibilities than holding your hand.

Answer 4

I train lots of people on a daily basis, and I'm always referred to as the "answer lady". My advise to everyone when they ask me "Am I asking too many questions?" is always, I'd rather they ask, and get it right, than to go off on their own, and something is done incorrectly, they don't yet know how to correct the mistake, so it takes more time for me to fix the problem. THAT'S inefficient for me. On the other hand, if I feel someone is asking something maybe a different way, but basically the same question they've asked in the past, I try to help them "think the problem thru to the solution."
( ie. If you have this problem, and you do this......how will that affect the outcome...) Sometimes people need reassurances that they know what they are doing, even if they don't yet have the confidence to put their knowledge into practice, "without the net"
Yes, it's easy to get the answer, and it's a time saver on you......but, until you feel more confident, maybe you could pose you question like you know the answer, and are just looking for confirmation. In this way, you will show your boss that you ARE learning, and he will appreciate that you aren't wasting his time, but confirming the information before you put it into practice.

I hope that made sense.

Answer 5

I'd write a list of questions down and go ask them all at once.. that way you aren't constantly interrupting the boss. If necessary write the answers down so that you don't have to constantly ask the same questions over and over. I would rather have a person working for me be willing to ask when they don't know. Let the boss know how willing you are to learn..and that any tricks or shortcuts he could give you would be great.. Tell the boss you want to learn and grow with the company. Eventually you will feel more sure of yourself..And the amount of questions will slow down.

Answer 6

First off, don't always ask your boss - ask coworkers. Secondly, people tend to learn best when they find out things the long/hard way. It sucks in the beginning, but it makes things easier down the road.

Answer 7

Try to learn from the internet and think as much as possible before asking a question

Answer 8

Be resourceful and find the answers as well as you can on your own. Ask any coworkers you trust. Don't ask the boss unless absolutely necessary, and when you do, you might mention the steps that led you to ask him/her (shows your thought processes and diligence).

Answer 9

dont let pride be your downfall.
try not to ask the SAME questions over and over.
write what he tells you down and start using that as a point of ref.
depends on how you ask, trial and error are a part, but dont jepordize your career by costing the company money when all you had to do was ask.

Answer 10

Hi balls. It's been awhile. Thought you got tired of me. LOL Anyway........Try three a day. That way you learn three things new everyday and at the same time it does not annoy your boss.

Answer 11

i think you should ask what you need to, he should appreciate that since it looks like you really care and are trying
not asking and screwing up is worse!
just ask away, you'll learn the ropes a lot quicker that way