People are facing significant challenges with time management, priorities, and resource allocation, according to Britney Cole and Betty Dannewitz in an article for the August edition of Blanchard’s Ignite! newsletter.

"One of the biggest challenges is that most people are just surviving," says Dannewitz. "They're getting done what they must today and letting tomorrow take care of itself. You can't really reach your potential if you're constantly playing catch-up. To be effective, you need to plan ahead, prioritize, and act intentionally rather than just reacting to what comes next."

Dannewitz highlights the importance of having better conversations with your immediate manager as part of the solution.

"Learning how to talk to your manager is crucial—how to ask for time and resources and prioritize the tasks they give you," says Dannewitz.

For many, this can be a difficult task, according to Cole.

"It can be hard for people to navigate today’s work environment if they don’t know how to ask for help. But asking for help is essential to getting the prioritization, resources, and support you need to be effective."

Once you’ve asked for help, Cole suggests focusing on the skills you need and where to put your energy. "Start by identifying the destination you’re aiming for and the steps you need to take to get there."

Dr. Vicki Halsey, vice president of applied learning at Blanchard, agrees. In a previous Ignite! article, she discussed the organization’s research on managerial challenges.

"Learning to ask for help is especially important for managers," says Halsey. "More than two-thirds of managers we’ve spoken with reported symptoms of burnout in the past year."

For those seeking increased clarity, support, and resources, Halsey recommends a three-step process that begins with self-evaluation.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Status

"Take an inventory of where you stand," says Halsey. "What is your schedule like? What demands are you facing at work? What are your goals? What do you spend your time doing? Compare your current situation with your desired future. What’s most important? Are there tasks draining your energy that you can remove from your list?"

Step 2: Ask for Help

"To move forward, you’ll likely need to have a conversation with your manager," says Halsey. "A one-on-one meeting is an ideal time to seek clarity, prioritization, and resources."

Blanchard’s eBook outlines strategies for employees to maximize their one-on-one meetings with their managers. Some key strategies include:

• Use "I need" statements: People are biologically wired to help others, and "I need" statements are a straightforward way to ask for support. Examples include:
  
  

• "I need ten minutes at our next meeting to discuss resources for this project."

• "I need to work with a subject matter expert to understand this topic better."

• "I need to learn new software to do my job effectively."

• Present three options for decision-making: Research shows that presenting three choices helps leaders make decisions more comfortably. This approach also demonstrates that you’ve thought through the issue.
  
  

• Seek clarity and prioritization on goals: Blanchard’s research shows that 60% of managers report having too many priorities. To align on priorities, ask your manager to write down what they believe your top five priorities are and compare this with your own list. This exercise can lead to valuable discussions about alignment.
  
  

Step 3: Reframe Limiting Beliefs

If asking for help feels uncomfortable, Halsey encourages shifting your mindset. Overcome limiting beliefs with positive counterpoints:

• "I’ll look weak if I ask for help." (In fact, asking good questions is a sign of intelligence.)

• "Asking for help is selfish." It creates synergy and provides more resources to do your job well.)

• "People are too busy." (Research shows people like helping others.)

• "Asking for help will erode trust in my ability." (Vulnerability actually builds trust.)

• "It will take longer to make decisions." (Involving others leads to better decisions.)

• "It feels risky." Asking for help minimizes risk by engaging others.

"We have to let go of the belief that asking for help makes us appear weak," says Halsey. "Asking for help builds better relationships, improves decision-making, minimizes risks, and helps you and the organization achieve greater success."

Dannewitz and Cole urge team members at all levels to take control of their personal effectiveness.

"Don’t wait," they say. "Personal effectiveness requires intentionality—starting with self-awareness and then challenging yourself to take action to move forward. Better days are possible. Start today!"

For more insights on Blanchard’s strategies, explore additional resources at the Blanchard Community or the Blanchard website. Halsey, Cole, and Dannewitz are featured speakers with upcoming webinars and materials available on both platforms.