Why You Should Ask Lots of Questions in Your First Month at Work

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1. 01Ask Lots of Questions in Your First Month

   Hi, everyone. When I started my first job, I was afraid to ask questions. I thought people would think I wasn't smart. That was a mistake. Today, I'd like to recommend the opposite: ask lots of questions in your first month.

   大家好。我刚开始第一份工作的时候，很怕提问。我以为别人会觉得我不够聪明。那是个错误。今天，我想推荐相反的做法：在入职第一个月多提问题。

2. 02Reason 1: It's Expected

   The first reason is that it's expected. Nobody thinks a new person should know everything. In fact, your first month is the easiest time to ask, because everyone knows you're new.

   第一个理由是，大家本来就希望你提问。没有人会认为新人应该什么都懂。其实，第一个月是最容易提问的时候，因为大家都知道你是新来的。

3. 03Reason 2: Fewer Mistakes

   The second reason is mistakes. A thirty-second question can prevent a mistake that takes hours to fix. I once redid a whole report because I didn't ask which format my manager wanted.

   第二个理由是避免出错。一个三十秒的问题，就能避免一个要花好几个小时才能修正的错误。我曾经因为没问经理想要什么格式，把整份报告重做了一遍。

4. 04Reason 3: Better Relationships

   The third reason is relationships. Asking a coworker for advice starts a conversation, and most people enjoy helping. Some of my closest work friends started with a simple question.

   第三个理由是人际关系。向同事请教可以开启一段对话，而且大多数人都乐意帮忙。我在工作中最要好的几个朋友，就是从一个简单的问题开始的。

5. 05How to Ask Well

   Of course, ask in a smart way. Try to find the answer yourself first, keep a list so you can ask several questions at once, and write down the answers so you don't ask the same thing twice.

   当然，提问也要讲究方法。先试着自己找答案，把问题列个清单，这样可以一次问好几个，再把答案记下来，免得同一个问题问两次。

6. 06Useful Phrases

   Here are some useful phrases: "Do you have a minute?", "Could you show me how to do this?", and "Just to check, should I send this today?" They're polite and clear.

   这里有一些好用的说法：“你有一分钟吗？”“你能教我怎么做吗？”还有“我确认一下，这个今天要发吗？”这些说法既礼貌又清楚。

7. 07Conclusion

   In conclusion, asking questions doesn't make you look weak. It shows you care about doing a good job. So in your first month, don't be shy. Ask! Thank you.

   总之，提问不会让你显得软弱。它说明你很在乎把工作做好。所以在第一个月，别害羞。多问吧！谢谢大家。