Asking a Manager or Professor for Help

By Lon W. Schiffbauer, BA, MBA, PhD, SPHR

So, you have a problem and want your manager, professor, or someone else help get you out of a jam.

Great, but before you go running off looking for help, there are three things you first need to do. Skip these steps and I promise, very little help will be coming your way.

Step 1: Identify the problem, not just the results of the problem

Quite often we don’t see the problem so much as we see its effects—the results or outcome of the problem.

For example, let’s say that you feel like someone on your project team isn’t pulling their weight. You might say, “There, that’s the problem. They’re not stepping up.”

But that’s not the problem. That’s the outcome of the problem—it’s outward manifestation.

So, what’s the problem then? Well, maybe the person is unclear about what it is they need to do and is afraid to ask. Maybe they don’t know how to do whatever it is they’re doing and is frozen with anxiety. Maybe the way they measure success is different from how you define success. Maybe they’re busy with a hundred other things and can use some help but, for whatever reason, doesn’t want to turn to the team and admit that they need a hand.

It’s important that you first understand the root cause of the problem before you approach your leadership and ask for help.

Step 2: Come prepared with possible solutions

You’ve got a good understanding of the problem and feel like you need to escalate this to your manager or professor. That’s fine, but when you do, come prepared with some viable solutions—solutions that will work and see to the needs of everyone. Escalating a problem without offering some possible solutions isn’t escalating, it’s complaining, and there are exactly zero professors and managers who like to hear that kind of nonsense. The way you avoid their ire this is by coming prepared with viable solutions to the problem. As the saying goes, don’t be part of the problem; be part of the solution.

Step 3: Come prepared to help implement the solution

Very often the job of a manager or professor is not to solve your problem for you, but to help you solve the problem for yourself. Think about it: a manager hires you to solve problems, so it’s in their best interest to help you develop some level 900 problem-solving skills. If you don’t develop these skills, then what good are you to the organization? This goes double in the case of a college professor. It’s not their problem to solve, and they certainly aren’t going to care about solving it more than you do. If you don’t come to the table ready to help bring about a solution, don’t expect your professor to put in work where you won’t. So step up, be willing to put in the work, and trust me, you’ll make a solid impression!

So there you go. Follow these three steps and not only will you get the help and support you need, but you’ll likely gain a champion and serious supporter in the process.

Lon is an Associate Professor of Business Management at Salt Lake Community College and holds an MBA, a PhD, and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). In addition to his academic background, Lon spent close to 30 years working and consulting for such companies as FedEx, Intel, eBay, and PayPal, as well as a variety of small to mid-sized companies around the world.