Supervisors highly value curiosity. It demonstrates a willingness to learn, coachability, and engagement. Curiosity sparks innovation, enables rational decision-making, and creativity. Even more so, it builds trustworthy and collaborative relationships between the supervisor and the employee. However, there are some questions that you should stop asking your supervisor.

Sometimes curiosity has the opposite effect — for example, employees who ask the same questions day after day. Questions that demonstrate incompetence or aren’t thoughtful can cause your supervisor to doubt your skills. Furthermore, asking questions that unnecessarily interrupt your supervisor’s heavy workload will damage your relationship. Asking your supervisor the wrong questions, or at the wrong time, can cause you to miss out on promotions, or growth assignments.

Your supervisor wants you to stop asking these questions.

1) Why do I have to do that?

This question makes you appear like you only want to do the minimum job requirements. It also demonstrates you have lack initiative, ambition, and drive. Instead ask, when do you need that by?

2) Do I have to spend time with the new hire?

This question makes it appear like you aren’t a team player. It also tells your supervisor that you are uncooperative. Deflecting an assignment like this can be detrimental to your career. Instead, ask what tasks should you focus on while the new hire sits with you.

3) Why do I have to do that now?

Your supervisor wants you to stop asking this question because it shows you lack urgency. It also indicates you are unable to see the bigger picture. Instead, ask when do you want that completed?

4) Why is the thermostat set so low/high?

The temperature in the office is always up for debate. Throughout the day people will complain it is hot, while at the same time others complain it is cold. Stop asking your supervisor this question because they aren’t the facilities managers. Instead, dress in layers so you can adjust throughout the day.

5) I don’t have many tasks to do today, can I leave early?

Asking this question makes it appear you lack initiative because there is always something to do. Stop asking your supervisor this question, and instead ask, “what more can I do?”

6) How do you want me to do that?

Stop asking your supervisor this question because it makes you appear that you lack the core competencies of the job. Instead, come up with one to three options and ask which one they think would be best.

7) Where can I find X?

Asking this question makes it seem that you are unwilling to use your resources and build relationships with other people. It can also demonstrate that you aren’t aware of the roles and responsibilities of other people in the organization. Stop asking your supervisor this question, unless they are the one responsible for what you are looking for. Instead, ask the people who are responsible for the items you need.

8) Can I have a raise?

Stop asking your supervisor this question, and instead talk about your accomplishments and metrics you achieved. Never ask for a raise without being prepared to explain why you deserve it.

9) Did you hear about X?

Asking this question can make you appear gossipy, and supervisors don’t promote gossipy people. Instead, you want to come across as friendly toward everyone because that shows you are a team player and have a high level of business acumen.

Supervisors get asked a lot of questions. They have a heavy workload, and as a result, will make you look like a needy distraction. Stop asking your supervisor these questions because they make you appear entry-level and can stop your career in its tracks.

Last updated on June 3rd, 2020 at 03:43 am