We all get lost from time to time. Perhaps you can’t find that great new bistro you heard about, or the place where the wedding reception is being held, or the new doctor’s office.  Me? I get lost going around my neighborhood!

We used to use maps. Remember those things? Who can even fold one anymore? We used to stop at a gas station to ask for directions. That never really made much sense to me. Just because somebody worked at a gas station somehow we thought they knew where every place was that we wanted to go!

Now when we are lost we just plug in the Garmin, pull up an app on our iPhone or ask our car!

What do you do when you get lost or lose your way at work?

We ask for directions if we can’t find a street or a restaurant, so why should work be any different? We all get lost from time to time, and it is important to learn to ask for direction at work. Many times we don’t ask for directions because we are afraid it will make us look stupid. The other choice is to not ask and do the project inaccurately or incompletely, now who looks stupid?

If your boss gives you an assignment and you aren’t clear, ask for direction.  Get the details, get the map. Find out where you are going with this project, where the boss wants you to go. As an employee it is your duty to get all the information and direction you need to complete your assignment. As a boss it is your duty to provide the employee with what you need.

Sometimes, even though everyone is saying all the right things, giving and getting all of the correct information and directions yet things still just don’t click.

This is probably due to communication and listening style differences. This is dangerous, even deadly in a work environment.

When faced with a new project, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I know where I am going?
• Do I know how to get there?
• Do I understand the details of the project?
• Do I know what is expected from me?
• Do I know how to deliver the outcome?
• Am I listening and understanding the directions I have been given?

Sometimes the people giving us the assignment know what they know but forget that we don’t know what they know! They give us vague direction because what they are asking for makes perfect sense to them. Unfortunately it may not make sense to us!

Here are my suggestions to you:

• Ask for clarification
• Repeat back the request to ensure that you and your boss are on the same page.
• If you are not sure exactly what to do or how to do it, ask where you can find the information.
• Clarify the timeline. Is this a project that should be completed in 3 days or 3 months?
• Gather everything you need, materials, support, data to get the job done.
• Plan out the project, have a checklist, an agenda to follow.
• If this is a new project for you, ask a more experienced co-worker to review your work.
• Give your boss a status update about half way through to ensure that you are on the right track.

If you follow these suggestions you will be able to complete the task like a Pro!

Now all you need to do is turn in the project, get the praise from your boss and Celebrate your Success!