Overwhelmed at Work? It's Okay to Ask for Help
Dean Karrel
Career Development Advisor, Sales Trainer, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, Author of, "Mastering the Basics" Hit the ?? to be notified of my latest posts.
Over the past four years, my focus as a coach has been working with business professionals who are in the middle stage of their careers. The subjects we discuss cover the gamut from those who are looking to find ways to enhance their development to those who are struggling with difficult managers or are feeling overwhelmed with the demands of their position.
Stressful work situations and experiencing emotional despair at the office is a lot more common than most people expect.
In fact, you’re far from being alone. However, we’re often wary about talking about it with others for fear it will make us appear weak or unqualified for the work assigned to us. It is also a fear of showing our vulnerability that prevents us from expressing our need for assistance. I know I have personally felt it at various stages of my career.
Years ago, we never asked for help when clearly we should have. Many of us handled our work issues by means of our own support system.
This is a note I've had in my wallet for over 40 years. Six months into a new job and feeling overwhelmed was an understatement. Thankfully, I had a great manager to show me the way, but this note of self- motivation sure came in handy more than once. Yes, I still keep it in my wallet. (Is this showing my vulnerable side?)
Difficult work situations can impact our confidence, self-esteem, and health, too. Having motivational notes like mine can be helpful, but candidly we all need to ask for help sooner and not be reluctant in doing so.
Recently, The Today Show aired a segment that discussed the subject of, "The Art of Asking for Help". In it, Catherine Fisher of LinkedIn and clinical psychologist, Dr. Jeff Gardere provided some excellent advice about ways to approach getting help when you may need it. You can't be afraid and the smart move is to do it sooner rather than later. It's about a four minute piece that's well worth your time to watch.
Believing in your abilities and having self-confidence is so important and yet can be so fragile. When you feel overwhelmed, are working for a micro manager, or are surrounded by negativity it can drain you mentally. You have to take steps to get out of those situations. I also think if your self-esteem has been in the dumps for too long then the smart move is to seek some additional professional guidance and there's nothing wrong with that. I often recommend that to my clients.
This subject is something I address in this video from one of my LinkedIn Learning courses.
What is your opinion on what I have discussed in this article? What did you think of my note from 40 years ago? How do you seek help when you need it? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Dean Karrel is a career and executive coach and LinkedIn Learning instructor. He has worked in sales management and leadership positions for a number of major global publishing companies.
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Senior leader and advisory consultant in data governance, cloud data strategy, change management, analytics, and transformation
6 年Dean, your article resonates deeply with me. It is easy to get caught up in the perceived expectations of a “performance culture” where relentless demonstrations of capability are thought to be the norm. In fact, they prevent growth and those moments of vulnerability, as you say, are like a breath of fresh air for a beleaguered colleague. As leaders, it’s easy to forget the small coaching moments like your note...what an impression it made, what a lesson!
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6 年Thank you, Dean!?
New Business Acquisition & Content Development at 22MediaWorks
6 年Great post and message...thx for posting this.
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6 年Years ago, at a corporate Outward Bound adventure, part of the program was to quietly observe a coworker during the course of the three days. One day I found myself halfway up the face of a small cliff we were rock climbing, and beside the colleague I was "observing". She was stopped halfway up the wall. I said, "resting?" and she said "no, terrified!" We chatted on the side of the cliff and then finished the climb together. Never through the course of the weekend had she shown that the heights were scaring her, and I realized that as her manager she had never once come to me for help in a tough time. We both learned a lot during that course - none of it having to do with rock climbing -? and I hope (believe) I became a better manager for it. Sometimes we have to look for those who are afraid to ask for help and just lend an ear, or a hand.