Don't be afraid to question

Whether you're starting a new role or have been with an organization for a while, don't be afraid to challenge the status quo and ask questions fearlessly. If something doesn't make sense, ask why. If processes are confusing, ask why. Start asking why to understand the context behind the process. If the answer is ambiguous, start asking what steps you can take to make it easier...for yourself and the other people involved in the process.

In your job, count the number of hours you spend reviewing or transferring data from the forms you ask people to fill out. Count the number of hours you spend explaining the process to individuals. Count the number of hours you spend frustrated mumbling under your breath that people keep asking the same question when you believe it's very clear. That last scenario is a clue that the process in place should be changed...not to mention the hours you've identified spent on articulating the process. And don't use the excuse that you don't have time to change the process. We just discovered the wasted time this process creates. Hit the pause button and start asking questions. Why are we collecting this information? Do we need it? Is it relevant? Can it be simplified? Could it be electronically captured?

And if you don't know where to start, just ask someone who is going through the process. Did you understand the form? Which parts seemed confusing? How long did it take you? What suggestions do you have? Include the user's feedback and experience in the new process creation.

Stop doing things the way they've always been done. Make it easier for yourself and everyone involved. Don't be afraid to ask the question. It might be at this time there is no wiggle room to make changes...but you might be pleasantly surprised and get to experience less time frustrated at work and more productive than you've ever been in your role! Isn't that worth asking the question?