The Hating Period & Why Questions Keep Us Safe
I hope you’re doing well and loving life out there. I want to share a quick but important concept that’s been on my mind lately: the habit of asking questions, and what I call “the hating period.”
If you know me, you know my philosophy: questions keep us safe. The more questions you ask, the more information you uncover, and the fewer surprises you’ll face later. Early in any new effort, I reach out for help, get feedback often, and lean on experienced people for insight. That is not weakness, that is the process.
I have found that the people who ask questions until they can confidently give a speech on the topic end up spotting gaps that would have otherwise caused trouble. Just the other day, walking around a project site, I kept peppering one of our power experts with questions about temporary power setups. Not only did he enjoy sharing his expertise, but I walked away with five key action items that will make the project run smoother.
Here is the second part of the equation: the hating period. Whenever a new idea comes up, it is natural to dislike it at first. That is healthy. You do not have to reject it completely, but you should challenge it, be curious, poke holes, and ask “what about this?” and “why do we need it?” If it is a good idea, you will eventually understand it better, maybe even fall in love with it, and execute it in the best possible way.
The opposite habit, blind optimism and rubber-stamping everything, is dangerous. Wishful thinking without tough questions leads to preventable mistakes. In construction, where so much is new and complex, the ability to challenge an idea, even for just five minutes, is a game-changer.
So here is my challenge to you: hate the idea for five minutes, ask five questions, and see what you learn. That curiosity will keep you safer, make you sharper, and ultimately help you deliver better results every single time.
On we go.
Key Takeaway:
Do not blindly accept ideas. Give yourself permission to “hate” them briefly, ask at least five questions, and uncover what you do not know. In construction and in life, that habit will protect you from costly mistakes.
If you want to learn more we have:
-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our YouTube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
On we go
