Ask For Help
Written by: Kamia F. Slaughter
New tasks, to-do lists, and obligations always accompany recent semesters. With so many people and responsibilities pulling you in different directions, it may seem overwhelming to meet your daily goals. Know that you don’t have to navigate the twists and turns of life alone. Ask for help from friends, family, and colleagues.
If your inner circle is like mine, they may constantly ask about jobs, assignments, projects, and organizations that have your attention. Though you may feel inclined to dismiss their inquiries as them being nosey, consider their concern as an open invitation to help. Family and friends can serve as “outside” listeners and readers for presentations and manuscripts. They can also assist you with household chores, childcare, and errands so you can devote time elsewhere. Be transparent, so they know how to best support you and your ever-changing needs.
Colleagues can also be excellent sources of help. When asking for help from colleagues, communicate specific areas where you need support, why you are seeking their expertise, and how you would like to receive assistance. A simple “I need help” will likely not suffice in professional spaces. It’s like applying for a job. Before you interview; research, the company, review LinkedIn profiles of employees and consider how you can contribute to broader organizational goals.
Seeking help is no different. Reach out to colleagues with experience completing similar tasks as you. Review their portfolios, remain mindful of the reputation they have sustained and think about how their voice and input can support you.
Asking for help can be daunting. Educators often take on “get-it-done” and “do-it-yourself” mentalities. Who can blame you? Limited human capital and scarce resources across various fields enable such mindsets to settle within your practices. My only requests are that you revisit your help-seeking behaviors and rely on your networks for support. An old adage says, “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” Remember that, and ask for help as often as you see fit!
