So, you burned through five minutes looking for a way to resolve the problem before you, then asked your colleagues for a solution. If you still haven’t found the answer you need, what happens now? The answer to this question is more questions:
Did I ask the right question? Consider your issue again. Make sure that the issue you’re trying to address really is the source of the problem and that there aren’t underlying causes or technicalities preventing you from finding a solution. You may need to form new questions to find the answers you need!
Did I ask the right person? Unfortunately, it’s rarely as straightforward as asking the person next to you. Look for someone with knowledge and experience relevant to the issue you’re confronting. Once you identify that person, ensure that they are fully engaged when you are asking for assistance; if they are distracted by other tasks, they may be unable to help, or worse, accidently give you the wrong information.
Are there company resources I can access? It’s possible that your organization has resolutions to common problems archived in a database, training manual, or user guide. You may also see if there are specialized resources that your company is subscribed to or partnered with that provide the expertise you’re seeking.
What does the internet have to say? It may seem as though “Google it” has become the cop-out answer to everything these days. If used effectively, the internet is an invaluable tool for solving immediate and long-term issues. Narrow the scope of your search by using key words in your query instead of full sentences, validate the credibility of the sites you are opening, and archive useful articles, videos, and links you come across.
Once you have rephrased your question and questioned your process of finding a solution, you may find that the solution is simple! Don’t forget to record that solution! By recording solutions and valuable sources, you will save time for yourself and colleagues who may have similar issues in the future.
