Ask to Ask! (please don't)

What's happening here?

You've probably experienced this conversation:

Them: Hey, can I ask you a question?

You: 🙄 You just did. What's up?

Them: Do you know how to fix the printer?

Why This Is Inefficient

When you "ask to ask," you're:

Adding an unnecessary step to the conversation
Making the other person wait for your actual question
Creating anxiety ("what could they want?")

👉 Just ask your question!

Instead of "Can I ask you something about JavaScript?", try:

"Hey! How do I fix this JavaScript error I'm getting?"

Benefits of Direct Questions

The right person can respond (if in a group chat)
Someone can prepare a thoughtful answer immediately
You get help faster!

More "Ask to Ask" Scenarios

Inefficient: "Hey, are you good with Excel?"

Better: "Hey, I'm trying to create a VLOOKUP formula that references another sheet. Could you help me with the syntax?"

Inefficient: "Can I ask you something about the meeting?"

Better: "Do we need to prepare slides for tomorrow's client meeting?"

Inefficient: "Can I ask you a question about the project?"

Better: "What are the next steps for the project timeline?"

Inefficient: "Can I ask you about the new feature?"

Better: "How do I implement the new authentication feature in our app?"

Common Concerns

"But I don't want to bother someone with a long question they can't answer"

Asking directly actually saves time for both parties! The person can quickly determine if they can help or direct you to someone who can.

"Isn't it more polite to ask permission first?"

In most work contexts, being clear and direct is more respectful of everyone's time than excessive politeness that delays communication.

"What if I'm interrupting them?"

If they're busy, they can respond when they have time. By providing the full question, you give them the information to decide how urgent it is.

"What if I don't know who to ask?"

In that case, you can ask "Who can help me with X?" instead of "Can I ask a question?" This way, you get directed to the right person without the unnecessary step.

"What if I need to ask multiple questions?"

Feel free to ask them all at once! Just make sure each question is clear and concise.