Learn to Ask Better Questions

While working with the Alfred community, I confused an evangelist so badly that he told me, “This is an X-Y problem.” That’s when I first learned the term (link).

Before asking anyone, we should double-check: am I describing the real problem? Can someone else understand it? Otherwise we waste both their time and ours.

I’ve been in the industry six years, and asking questions is still a skill. Age doesn’t guarantee clarity. Kids can say “I want ice cream” directly. Adults ramble and leave listeners puzzled.