Ask for Help Early
A Sign of Strength, Not Weakness
In a high-performing team, asking for help is a sign of strength. It shows you are aware of risks and committed to the project’s success.
Struggling Silently vs. Proactive Communication
It is human nature to want to solve problems on our own. However, letting a problem sit for days or weeks because you are stuck is a major risk to the project timeline. The moment you realize you are stuck, you should communicate it. Don’t struggle silently.
What is a “Blocker”?
A blocker is anything that prevents you from completing your next step. It could be technical (e.g., “I don’t have access to the software”), a dependency (e.g., “I am waiting for the report from the sales team”), or a lack of clarity (e.g., “I am unsure what ‘success’ looks like for this task”). Identifying and reporting blockers is a critical Yellow Belt skill.
How to Ask for Help Effectively
When you raise a blocker, be specific. Don’t just say “I’m stuck.” Instead, say: “I am blocked on creating the ad copy because I am waiting for the final product images from the design team.” This gives your team lead the exact information they need to help you solve the problem quickly.
