Have you ever had a colleague who wouldn’t answer questions? Or met someone who would go to incredible lengths to avoid “giving anything away”? Someone who avidly avoided responding to queries about their views or ways of doing things?
I have come across this in quite a few professional settings, particularly in the more dysfunctional workplaces in which I have served. I’ve even seen it in a few personal settings (though I do my best to stay away from those people after that first encounter!).
I guess it comes down to insecurity. Questions open the way for doubt.
If you are insecure, questions are perceived as a threat or a challenge. Likewise, if you are self-serving, trying to gain personally without regard to others, questions are swatted away like an annoying gnat.
If you are genuinely interested in achieving big picture goals or finding truth, however, you welcome diversity. You seek different views and questions. You view “What do you think?” as an enquiry leading to greater success!
Are you a seeker of truth? Do you seek alternative views? Or do you prefer to surround yourself with “yes men”?
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