Ever Felt Frustrated with Advice That Didn’t Actually Help?
We’ve all been there—asking for advice and getting answers that just didn’t hit the mark. You reach out for career guidance, and someone tells you, “Just keep networking.”
Or you seek leadership advice and hear, “Just be more confident.”
While well-meaning, the problem often isn’t the advice itself. It’s how the question was framed.
The truth is: the quality of your questions determines the quality of the answers you get. Whether it’s career advice, leadership tips, or just general guidance, asking the right questions can make all the difference in getting actionable, useful answers.
So, how can you ensure you’re asking the right questions to get the best advice?
Let’s break it down.
Why Asking the Right Question Matters
Imagine you’re at a crossroads in your career, unsure about your next step. You ask a mentor, “How can I improve my career?” You get a vague response like, “You should network more and keep learning.”
Not very helpful, right?
Now, let’s try this again. You ask, “I’ve been working as a cloud engineer for 5 years, but I’m struggling with system design interviews. How can I improve my answers and better showcase my skills?”
Now that’s a more focused question. And here’s the kicker: you’re much more likely to get practical, specific advice that will help you address your challenges head-on.
The Formula for Asking the Right Question
Asking the right question can be a game-changer. Here’s a simple formula to follow to make sure you’re on the right track:
1. State the Challenge Clearly
What’s the issue you’re facing? Be direct. You don’t have to tell your entire life story—just what’s going wrong or what you want help with.
2. Provide Context
Give just enough background to show where you’re coming from. Have you tried anything already? What’s been working or not working for you?
3. Be Concise
Keep it short and to the point. The more specific you are, the more focused and actionable the advice will be.
Examples of Better Questions
Let’s take a look at a couple of examples to highlight how a well-structured question leads to a more helpful response:
🚫 Vague Question:
“How do I get a better job?”
✅ Better Question:
“I’m a cloud engineer with 5 years of experience, but I keep getting stuck in system design interviews. How can I improve my answers and showcase my skills better?”
The better question gives your advisor a clear sense of your role, your experience, and the specific problem you need help with.
🚫 Too Broad:
“How do I become successful?”
✅ Better Question:
“I want to transition into a leadership role, but I struggle with delegating tasks. How can I do this effectively without feeling like I’m losing control of my work?”
This example clarifies the transition you’re aiming for (moving into leadership), while pinpointing a specific challenge (delegation).
This makes it easier to offer actionable advice tailored to your needs.
Why General Advice Often Falls Short
If you ask a question that’s too broad or vague, the advice you receive is likely to be equally general. Phrases like “Just network more” or “Stay confident” sound nice, but they don’t actually tell you what specific actions to take or how to solve your unique challenge.
In contrast, when you ask focused, well-thought-out questions, you get advice that is directly relevant to your situation.
This can save you time, effort, and frustration by helping you focus on exactly what matters most.
Additional Tip: Use Follow-Up Questions
Sometimes, even with a great initial question, you might find that you need more information. Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions!
Once you get an answer, ask for clarification or examples to make sure you fully understand the advice. This can deepen the conversation and provide you with even more valuable insights.
When to Seek Personalized Coaching
Still not sure how to ask the right question? Or need someone to help you break through your roadblocks with targeted, actionable advice?
That’s where coaching comes in.
I offer text-based coaching for those moments when you need quick, personalized guidance.
Whether you’re stuck on a particular challenge, looking for clarity on your next career move, or seeking leadership tips, I’m here to help.
Here’s how it works:
- Ask me a focused question.
Be specific about your challenge—this is where the formula we discussed comes in handy! - Get two detailed replies.
I’ll provide you with direct, actionable advice to help you move forward. - Receive expert guidance within 24-48 hours.
Perfect for those moments when you need clarity but aren’t ready to book a full coaching session.
Why This Service Is Perfect for Busy Professionals
If you’re a professional looking for quick advice but can’t commit to a full coaching session, this is ideal for you. It’s perfect for when you have a specific question or challenge and need expert advice in a short amount of time.
By asking clear, concise questions, you’ll get the answers you need to tackle challenges head-on without the overwhelm.
So, What’s Your Next Challenge?
The next time you find yourself seeking advice—whether it’s career-related, leadership-oriented, or something else entirely—remember: ask better questions, and you’ll get better answers.
Take a moment to think about one challenge you’re facing right now. It could be anything—from a specific career obstacle to a leadership dilemma.
Now, try framing your question in the best way possible using the formula we’ve covered.
Need help getting started? If you’re looking for quick, personalized advice on a specific challenge, check out my text-based coaching service at Diamantinoalmeida.com.
And remember, a focused question leads to focused answers. What’s one challenge you’re facing right now? Drop it in the comments or reach out directly—I’m happy to help!