One of the hardest questions to answer is often, “How can I help?”
You’d think this would be an easy thing to manage since so many of us are overwhelmed, and could benefit from said help. Yet when someone is there, so often we can’t think of the right things to ask for. I’m convinced one of the most common lies ever is offers to help.
For me the problem is twofold, it’s hard to trust people and it’s never easy to communicate the work that needs to be delegated.
I can’t help with the trust part, but when it comes to communication I got 5 little steps for you…
Step 1 - Scope out the work you need to get done with details
When dealing with projects you need to create a scope.
This will outline all the work that needs to be done to complete the project. You’ll need to think about every little logistical detail you can. This can feel tedious, but in order to help other people visualize the work involved, you need some kind of reference.
The scope is a shorter version of a plan, which gets real detailed with timelines.
Your goal is to walk out of this exercise with a list of specific tasks that can/should be assigned to the right people.
Included in your project scope, should be all the people you need.
Step 2 - Decide what you can do and what you need help with
Once you have the specifics figured out, it’s a matter of execution.
Your first task will be to go through every line item you added in the last step and decide if you are the right person for the task.
In theory you may be able to do it all, but solo riding may throw off your timeline. Think about how long this task would take, and if it’s actually cheaper for you to outsource it.
Sometimes you are bad at the task and it’s a slow process, so paying someone will get you where you want to be faster, especially because you’re freeing up your time to hustle. Your time is worth money, bill yourself for your time even if it’s arbitrary.
Other times there are stricter deadlines and the only way to hit them is to work with a team.
Step 3 - Prepare documentation outlining the work you need help with
Over the last 13 years of my professional career I have tried to verbally explain many complex processes.
In nearly every case, documentation and visual aids made my life easier.
People became overwhelmed and felt I wasn’t as professional as they’d hoped for.
Frankly writing out a process, forces you to make it clearer. It becomes blatantly obvious where the confusing parts are and you can really focus on what needs to be done. It also helps people understand what exactly is required of them.
Most times vague explanations of the work will tell people you expect them to figure it out when in truth, that’s your job, you project leader extraordinaire..
Step 4 - Create clear success criteria
If you send people into the world to do work for you without explaining what winning looks like, you will be in for a surprise as things don’t go smoothly.
Your team needs to know what your version of success looks like. They need to understand all the deliverables (assignments they will complete) and what the requirements for completion are. You don’t want to trust the judgement of people that have less insight into what needs to be done.
In order to keep your team motivated, they need to know what you expect of them.
Showing that you put a deeper level of thought into everything will be the difference maker.
In truth this should be baked into Step 2, but it’s worth emphasizing.
Step 5 - Find your people and follow up
Chances are if you want good work you’ll need to pay for it.
If you’re lucky you’ll find a few volunteers for the cause.
Free work never comes fast and often comes with hurdles, be warned.
Once you map out the team you need, you have to go look for them. Find people that understand what you are trying to do and how they fit into the project with some clarity. Make sure they are actually down before committing, do a trial phase if you can.
After you get your team running smooth, follow up with them at least weekly to keep them on track and align.
Following these 5 steps you’ll have an easier time getting help in life.
Live Long and Prosper Everyone