In the Weeds? How to Ask for Help!

 In the weeds and no way out?

Overwhelmed? Experiencing work overload? 

Up to your neck and can’t seem to tread water?

There are tons of expressions to describe that feeling. The gnawing, knowing feeling that you have too much work on your plate. So, if we all experience it, what is the solution?  That depends.

If this is on-going and constant, then a heart-to-heart talk with your boss is in order. Go prepared with the facts. Explain exactly what is happening and be prepared with specific examples. It may simply be that your job has grown to the point that it’s no longer just one person’s job but morphed into something more. That is something you and your boss (and the company or organization) will ultimately decide.

On the other hand, if this feeling of too much work and not enough time is temporary in nature there is a simple solution.  Ask for help! That’s right -- just let others know you need their help.

“Asking for help is never a sign of weakness. It’s one of the bravest things you can do. And it can save your life.” Lily Collins

We all have a natural reluctance to ask for help.  It is often seen as a weakness or inability. That simply is not true. At times, special projects or circumstances require us to ask for help. Following these simple guidelines can assist you in receiving the help you need and deserve.

1.      Ask in person. Face to face. It’s simply better. Try to avoid asking for help via email or text. Asking in person allows you to fully explain the exact reason(s) you need help and specifically what help you need from the other person. 

2.       For the person being asked for help -- it can become a great experience. It gives your colleague an opportunity to share their expertise and skills and possibly a chance to learn something new. No matter what, it just “feels good” to help someone else. People often find that asking for help is a positive and a productive experience for all involved.

“Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person”

3.      Don’t apologize for asking for help. If it is truly needed, there is nothing wrong with requesting assistance. In fact, it shows that you care about your work and are strong enough to speak up.

"  Ask for help. Not because you are weak. But because you want to remain strong.”

  — Les Brown

6.      It’s not transactional. Don’t make it “If you do this, then I’ll help you in the future…” Simply ask with no expectations of future obligations or paybacks. 

7.      Once someone starts on the task you’ve requested, check-in with them. See if anything else is needed. This is a good way to make sure the project is headed in the right direction. You need to know if your partner fully understood what you’ve asked for.  This confirmation that your partner has the right info and resources needed to complete the task(s) is an integral part of the deal. Let your helper(s) know the outcome. When it’s all said and done be sure to follow up and let them know how things turned out. Maybe buy them a cup of coffee or a lunch to say thanks; and let them know how the project came in on time due to their help.

8.      Don’t make asking for help a regular habit. If you’re always asking peers for help; that can be a sign that you’re not “carrying your load.” It would also be important to consider whether your job is more than you can handle. 

Leaders -- this applies to you and your team. Pay attention to the signals they are sending you and to their workload. These team members want to be the superhero. Pay attention and check on them. Make sure you haven’t overwhelmed them with new tasks, responsibilities, etc. 

Some folks will truly try to tackle anything and everything given to them and NEVER say a word

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