One sees the form of a well at a great distance. Yet, upon arriving at the well parched and weary, one finds a large stone covering the well. Each of us has a pack to carry. At a distance we cannot see our neighbor's pack but up close it is very large. The first thing Yaakov does is to inquire of those with the problem.
People have different approaches in dealing with obstacles depending upon their location.
It is clear that their work ethic did not meet Yaakov's standard. He instructs them as if he were their Governor or their administrator. He is a complete stranger to them. Yaakov observed that the sheep were not being properly cared for. He then watered the sheep of Lavan.