“Call me if you have questions”

Many partners I work with tell me that they regularly make this offer to associates with whom they work. Some associates take them up on the offer, they tell me, but most don’t. Why, they ask? My old answer was this: They are unsure what questions are ok to ask and worry that the questions they want to ask will suggest a lack of ability and/or they see how busy you are and are hesitant to reach out and/or the questions only come to them as the deadline draws near and they feel it is too late to ask. Though I still think those answers are correct, I now answer with a question of my own.

“What is the likelihood they will have a question?” Very high, associates nearly always should have questions, partners respond. “And how do you feel when they don’t have any?” Partners reply: “I worry. In fact when I get back work product (as I often do) I question their abilities and/or judgment.” “So why the ‘if',” I ask, “Why not say this:

“You will have questions. Let’s schedule some time right now for you to ask those questions.”

Make clear that the questions (and communication back and forth more generally) are simply part of the process – part of getting the work done right and part of their development. Make sure, given how busy you both are, that time is set aside – they don’t have to chase you, nor you them. “When” might be later today, tomorrow, next week. But as the work is being done, there should always be a next check-in point in the calendar.

Happily, the partners who take this approach (nearly all immediately do) say they see the impact right away– better work product, increased efficiency and/or improved associate development and engagement.

Sometimes it is not enough to open your door, you have to invite people in.