Asking a question is not stupid, it's a public service

“Any questions?” is often followed by … pin-drop silence and uncomfortable glances around the room.

Not because everything was clear, but because no one wants to look stupid.

Let’s be honest;

At some point, most of us were 

reprimanded, ridiculed, or rolled eyes at …

- in school

- in college

- even at work

… simply for asking a question.

Over time, 

that created a monster inside:

The fear of appearing clueless.

The shame of not knowing.

The quiet acceptance of 

confusion over curiosity.

Great leaders break that pattern.

They do more than allow questions.

They normalize them. Encourage them. 

Thank people for asking them.

Because they know one powerful truth:

Asking a question is a public service.

When you speak up to clarify something,

you are asking not just for yourself—

but for every team member silently wrestling with the same doubt,

but too afraid to raise their hand.

The next time someone in your team

asks a “basic” question;

Pause.

Appreciate.

Acknowledge their courage.

And remind yourself:

There’s no progress without understanding.

How about you share a question you were once afraid to ask?

#LeadershipDevelopment #PsychologicalSafety #CuriosityAtWork #AskingBetterQuestions #CoachingMindset #UncomfortableCoach #CoachHemant