When An Employee Asks for Help — Tip of the Week

Most employees want to do a good job. They also want their superiors to think they’re doing a good job. The normal anxiety about doing good work is exacerbated in today’s workplace world because jobs are hard to come by, and its more important than ever to do good work and impress the powers that be.

The current workplace/economic environment might make employees, particularly new ones, less likely to ask for help, tell their boss they don’t understand something, or ask what they’re afraid will be viewed as a dumb question. In times like these, however, it’s more important than ever for the communication lines between bosses and employees to be wide open. It’s more likely that good work won’t be done if employees don’t feel free to ask for help.

This proposition should be emphasized to new employees and reiterated frequently to all employees. Employees should be encouraged to ask for help, obtain clarification, and freely pose questions. If they’re not or if a boss makes employees feel inadequate or stupid when they ask for help, needed communication will end, and a dysfunctional department or workplace will exist. That’s the last thing any employer needs today.

Communicate regularly with your employees. Encourage them to regularly communicate with you. The tip? You’re a lucky — maybe even good – boss if you have employees who ask for your help.