Significant Career Lesson From a Head of Transformation at Optum
Zach, Head of Transformation at Optum, emphasizes the importance of asking questions, even if it means admitting, "hey, I don't understand what's going on here," because clarifying complex situations by saying "can you dumb this down to my level?" ultimately accelerates learning and rarely diminishes respect; in fact, a dismissive response reveals more about the respondent than the questioner's capabilities.
Communication, Executive/Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Problem-Solving, Confidence
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zach Goldman
Head of Transformation
Optum
USC, 2007
UCLA Anderson MBA
Political Science, American Studies
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Strategic Management and Executive
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Ask clarifying questions to ensure a thorough understanding of any given situation.
2. Transparency in admitting knowledge gaps can accelerate learning and problem-solving.
3. The willingness to ask questions is valued more than the pretense of complete understanding; those who are unwilling to clearly articulate their work may be more of a problem than those who ask questions to learn better
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
Don't be afraid to ask questions. I think back to earlier points in my career, and there were moments I would have been nervous to speak up and say, "Hey, I don't understand what's going on here. Can you talk me through it?"
My concern would have been that I might look ignorant or unable to keep up. Something I've subsequently found to be really useful is to transparently say, "Can you dumb this down to my level? Can you describe what we're trying to do in layperson terms?"
I've found that this has helped me to quickly wrap my head around a situation and what I need to understand. I've actually learned that it almost never costs you someone's respect to say, "Hey, I really want to make sure I understand this. Can you explain it to me?"
Frankly, anyone who's going to be snooty to you for asking a question that way is probably more reflective of their inability to articulate what they do in simple terms, than your ability to understand. So, don't be afraid to ask questions.