Dear Yogesh,

Do you feel swamped with work at the workplace? Or have your managers given you new tasks every other day? I experienced a similar instance when one of my counterparts resigned a few days back. He wasn't bothersome to work even in his notice period. This led to me handling my projects and his as well, which is a lot hectic, to be honest. I am feeling overburdened at times.

Please provide me with your insights on how to handle this situation effectively.

Regards,
Rohan

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Dear Rohan,

The situation of burnout and disengagement can be dealt with in several ways. Quiet quitting is undoubtedly a popular option these days. However, the most favorable option for coping with burnout is to engage in the conversation, not abandon it.

"You want to proactively address what is missing in the work environment, instead of just settling for less."

Notably, "more than two-thirds of managers reported having symptoms of burnout in the past year. It is an essential issue that one needs to address. A manager brings everything together in the organization and acts as a positive role model.

So here I propose a three-step process for managers that starts with a self-assessment.

Step 1: Evaluate the Present Status

Have a check on your current state. What is your schedule? What requirements do you face at work? What is your goal? On what do you have to spend your time mostly?

Now imagine the future you want. How do you want your day to be? What do you want from your work: more creative assignments or consistent routines?

Then compare the expected future with what you are experiencing. What is more important? Those tasks that exhaust you without serving anyone? Can you delete anything from your to-do list?

Maybe you need a new employee. Perhaps you need information. Maybe you need four hours of dedicated resources to help you with your weekly tasks. Who can you turn to for help - colleagues, leaders, team members, mentors, or coaches?

Step 2: Asking for help

If the thought of asking for help is beyond your comfort zone, you need to start by applying the right mindset. It is about overcoming limiting beliefs that may keep you from getting the help you need. Here are some negative thoughts that may hold you back, each accompanied by a positive outlook:

1. If I ask for help, I will appear weak, poor, and unwise.

   The most competent people always ask the best questions.

2. Asking for help is selfish.

   Asking for help builds synergies with others and provides additional resources to improve your work.

3. Everyone is busy.

   Research shows that people like to help others.

"We must dismantle the common notion that asking for help makes us look weak or stupid. Remember the gift of asking for help. You will build better relationships, make better decisions, reduce risk, and help your organization take it to the next level."

Once you have found the best fit, organize a meeting. Be specific about what you want to say in your invitation.

"Stay positive — do not feel sorry for sounding needy. "Whatever you need or want, put it as a positive thing. After getting the help you need from this person, you will be in a very successful position."

Also, keep in mind to end the help-seeking conversation with gratitude.

Step 3: Build a Habit to Ask for Help

"Seeking help - and helping others - is part of the management skills."

We often focus on what we need to do rather than who can help us. Reconsider your to-do list – for example, you can write down the names of people who can help you with that task or the names of people you can help.

Do not just focus on what needs to be done. Think about people who can help you. Every day, reach out to someone and say, 'Hey, do you have five minutes to talk?' or Can I give you an idea?

Promote Positivity

Everyone wants to grow and develop, but positivity and energy are drained when people feel overextended.

"As a manager, addressing burnout in yourself or others as quickly as possible is important. Look for signs of burnout, withdrawal, negativity, or feelings of inadequacy. If you are not feeling well, do not hesitate to use the above-given points in your next meeting with your immediate supervisor. If you suspect your team members are burnout, create an open space for them to discuss their experiences."

Reference Link: The above is an adaptation of a blog by David Witt on September 06, 2022.

https://resources.kenblanchard.com/blanchard-leaderchat/asking-for-help-when-you-re-overextended