“There are no silly questions” is more than a cliché, it’s an organisational improvement technique.

In a learning situation it can be hard to put yourself out there and demonstrate what you don't know. It can be easy to let that fear cause you to make assumptions which don’t allow you to grasp the intent behind what’s being discussed. One or two times might not be that bad, but before you know it you could be far enough behind that nothing else makes sense any more.

By asking the silly question you help me make sure I explain the concept completely.

You help yourself (and your peers with the same question and hesitation) get the knowledge needed to inform the rest of the session.

And if you’re one of the senior members of the room you are of significant help. In demonstrating your vulnerability you create an environment in which everyone is empowered by your leadership to ask more questions.

Being in the practice of asking questions, not just in the learning environment but whenever you make assumptions, can dramatically enhance your ability to give your stakeholders what they actually need the first time. The Scrum mantra of Transparency, Inspection, and Adaption, only works when we are transparent about what we know and what we don’t. Asking the question allows us to get on the same page and be successful.

So ask the question no matter how daft you think it is. The worst thing I’ll tell you is that it’s a conversation for lunch!