SQL Insights

Don't just give someone the answer

Ever been frustrated by a boss who answered your question with another question?

One of my first (and favorite) IT managers used to ask a question I disliked at the time, but came to appreciate. Often, when I stopped by her desk with a customer on the phone to present my problem or ask questions, she would respond by posing another question in return: "What did you find when you searched for this in the knowledge base?"

That experience taught me something valuable: Don't just give someone the answer; ask them what research and conclusions they have drawn so far.

Answering is easy. But guiding someone to figure it out themselves? That’s how they grow.