Adapting your approach.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What the person can already do.
HOW
By asking, or by observing early in the interaction.
WHAT NOT TO ASSUME
That job seniority indicates technical competence, in either direction.
WHAT TO ADJUST
Vocabulary Pace How much you explain Whether you guide or do
WHAT TO AVOID
Jargon without explanation Condescension Explaining at length when they want it resolved Doing it silently when they want to learn
WHAT TO ASK
Whether they would like to understand it, or simply have it working.
WHY
Both are legitimate, and the answer changes your approach entirely.
WHAT TO DO FOR SOMEONE ANXIOUS
Reassure that the question is reasonable.
WHY
Fear of appearing foolish is the main reason problems go unreported.
WHAT TO PROVIDE AFTERWARDS
Written steps, for anything they will do again.
WHAT TO NOTICE
Who repeatedly needs the same help.
WHAT THAT INDICATES
A training need, or an interface problem.
