Employee #1: 11:00AM I have no idea how to do this. I have never dealt with anything like this before. It can’t be too difficult. I should be able to figure this out. Before I bother someone, let me just check a few resources. Ah, now I get it. Perfect. It’s done! 12:30PM. Here you go, boss.
Employee #2: 11:00AM I have no idea how to do this. I have never dealt with anything like this before. It can’t be too difficult. I should be able to figure this out. Before I bother someone, let me just check a few resources. Whew. This still doesn’t make any sense to me. Let me try something else. Wow, this is tough. I’m still confused. Let me get some lunch and take a fresh look when I get back. Aarrgghh, this is so frustrating! I don’t know how I’m supposed to figure this out. Let me call the manufacturer…… on hold……..should receive a call back by the end of the day. 5:00PM …. Finally got a call back. They can’t help. 5:30 Oh, hello boss…………. No it’s not done. I’ve been trying, but I haven’t been able to figure it out. Oh, it needed to go out tonight?
Employee #3: 11:00AM I have no idea how to do this. I have never dealt with anything like this before. It can’t be too difficult. I should be able to figure this out. Before I bother someone, let me just check a few resources. Whew. This still doesn’t make any sense to me. 12:30 Boss, do you have minute? I’m having a little trouble with this one. When do you need it done by? I’ve run into a few obstacles; any suggestions on where to find the information I need to get this going? Oh, that’s great. Do I need any passwords or other information I might not have to get on the site? …..Perfect, thanks. 1:30PM Here you go boss. Thanks for your help. This was a real learning experience. Next time it should be one, two, three!
Managers love people who can get the job done with little or no supervision, but you must know the parameters you are working within. The deadline, for example is key. As much as your boss likes you to be independent, the last thing she wants is for you to waste a whole day, or hours even, on something they had a simple answer to. It’s ok to ask for help. It’s when you find yourself asking the same question over and over again that you should worry that maybe you don’t know as much as you should.
Thoughts…….. Contact me at abbe@TECResourceCenter.com