Navigating a new workplace starts with ‘smart’ questions
Editor’s Note: Skaidra (think hy-dra, say sky-dra) is the newest member of the Ontario Digital Service (ODS) Engagement Team, responsible for product managing this very blog! She is focused on elevating the diverse work the ODS and broader Ontario Public Service is doing to build simpler, faster and better services for all Ontarians.
Hi, I’m new here. Quick question for you...We’ve all been there.
Trying to ask the ‘right’ questions when you’re transitioning to a new role is always a challenge.
As I wrap up my first full week at the Ontario Digital Service (ODS) as part of my second year rotation through the Ontario Internship Program, it’s clear the ODS is an environment where questions are encouraged. But on the flip side, with being new, I have also been working out how to ask ‘smart’ questions.
So I looked to Frank Sesno for guidance.
As a former White House Correspondent and Washington Bureau Chief for CNN, Sesno is a renowned question master. The Globe and Mail reviewed the 11 types of questions Sesno considers before seeking answers.
I’ve summarized them below.
Diagnostic
Before you can fix a problem you need to know what it is. What is wrong?
Scientific
Move beyond instant answers. Often used in qualitative research, which is a method of observation that focuses on gathering non-numerical data, such as human behaviour.
Confrontational
Not meant for building bridges or fostering trust. You are getting answers, for the record.
Bridging
Connects you with people to establish rapport. These questions are gentle in nature. That’s interesting, tell me more?
Empathetic
Probes feelings to seek deeper answers. Listening closely and sincerely while maintaining eye contact is key.
Strategic
Unveils the big picture. You must recognize the challenge ahead and then define your plan, and what success could look like.
Creating
Encourages people to consider new ideas. Imagine there are no obstacles, what would we do?
Legacy
Learns more about what people have done. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Mission
Searches for shared purpose and common goals. Less talk, more listening.
Entertaining
Here you are the host. Ask questions to spice up and steer conversation.
Interviewing
Determines a person’s skills and personality. What would your peers say about you?
While Sesno never worked at the ODS, his list has been helpful to me as a new member of the Engagement Team, with one of my major projects being helping to run this very blog.
Finding stories to share will require me to ask interview questions combined with diagnostic questions, for example, to better understand how to build relationships with diverse teams across the ODS, and how this blog can help communicate the ODS mission towards simpler, faster and better services for all Ontarians.
Unsurprisingly, I’m still knee deep in questions.
So at the advice of my new manager, Tanya Coyle, I put these questions to the test and interviewed two, new ODS employees, one ‘smart’ question at a time.
Uche Amaechi
Uche has worked in the Ontario Public Service for many years, on files that range from the Ontario Autism Program to supporting the deployment, and wind down of, the Ontario Basic Income Pilot. He has recently joined our policy chapter as a policy analyst.
What’s helped you get through your first week at the ODS?
Everyone here has a “let’s jump in and get things done” kind of mentality. It’s refreshing and it makes the time fly by.
Any tips to share for other new team members?
My tip for all new employees is to make an effort to get to know everyone on your team as soon as possible. Stay out of the shadows, and stay in the open. Being approachable will help build trust among your colleagues, and that’s important.
What are you most looking forward to with your journey ahead at the ODS?
I’m looking forward to going deep into policy work in the digital transformation space. This is a great space for learning and development, and I’m excited to be here!
Any summer fashion advice?
I’m a fan of tailored cropped pants. Casual, functional and professional. Let the ankles breath!
Alexandra Rodney
Alexandra has a background in academia, but recently decided to shift gears after being exposed to service design work through a placement at The University of Toronto’s Innovation Hub, and has since been hooked. She’s new to the Ontario Public Service, and the newest member of the ODS Lean Chapter.
What’s helped you get through your first week at the ODS?
The in-house on-boarding resources the ODS provided have made for an easy transition, and allowed me to focus my attention on familiarizing myself with the concept of ‘Lean’. At the core, lean is about continuous improvement and respecting the value people bring to a business process. So much new learning has made my days fly by!
Any tips to share for other new team members?
If you have an interest in joining a new team, project or developing/learning a new skill, make it known!
What are you most looking forward to with your journey ahead at the ODS?
I’m a big believer in lifelong learning, and I’ve definitely come to the right place.
We hear you like gardening. Any summer gardening tips?
Yes. I actually moderate a Toronto Gardeners Facebook Page. My biggest piece of advice for emerging gardeners is: do not be afraid to plant something and see how it goes. If it doesn’t grow as you expected it would, there’s always next summer and the next! Experimentation, and having fun with it, are key.
