Do you always state your understanding or what you have already done to investigate a problem?

Last updated by Billy Terblanche [SSW] over 1 year ago.See history

When you seek advice or help from another, firstly, you need to establish with them:

  • Your understanding
  • Methods you have previously attempted in order to resolve the problem

Tip: Be aware that you don't want them to reply with LMGTFY 🙂

...or the bing version letmebingthatforyou.com

By not stating what you have previously attempted to resolve the problem, the person you are seeking advice from may be wasting time if they suggest methods you have already done.

How do you {{do this}}?

Figure: Bad example - Not stating what you have previously attempted to resolve the problem

By stating what you have previously attempted to resolve the problem, the person you are seeking advice from will not suggest for you to do the same methods again, and will look for other ways to resolve the issue.

I have searched Google and Stack Overflow but no luck... How do you {{do this}}?

Figure: Good example - Stating what you have previously attempted to resolve the problem

Another rule that closely links to this can be found in Interruptions - Do you investigate your question for 2 minutes before asking someone on IM?

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