Re:Don't ask to ask, just ask
by estiaan on Wednesday March 20, 2024 @07:18AM
(#39764982)
Hmm I totally get where you’re coming from but I have used a “hi” in the past to basically probe and figure out if a friend or colleague is available for real time conversation because I suspect that the conversation will need to be a quick back and forth, lasting only minutes, rather than an extended asynchronous chain lasting multiple days.
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Why not simply ask?
"Hi $COLLEAGUE. I'm having a problem with $TASK: I'm trying to accomplish $GOAL but I keep seeing $ERROR. I've tried $WORKAROUNDS, but none of them have fixed the problem. I think it will be fastest if I can demo this for you; do you have 10 minutes so I can walk you through it interactively?"
Exactly. Please stop saying "hi" and waiting for a response, just say what you need in the first message. This is a great template.
You’re not wrong. I think the problem here is that the context of who we’re talking to is missing. I only talk to people in this way who I know well and do the same with me, I have like 3 people in mind.
I can understand how it would be frustrating if you did this with someone random at your company.