Make It Easy

I have one very simple but important piece of advice for anyone who wants, or needs, help…

Make it easy on the person that you want, or need, help from.

I know it sounds silly, obvious even. But you would be shocked at how often I get requests for help where all the onus is put me…the person that they want, or need, help from.

I get requests to meet someone for lunch or coffee that necessitate me going miles out of my way. I get requests to blog or tweet about something without all the necessary reference information compiled in one easy to navigate email. And I even get requests for information or advice where after I spend time giving them a thorough answer over the phone, I’m asked to email them an abbreviated summary.

Every time it happens I want to knock them on the side of the head and yell, “You want MY help? Then WHY are you making this so hard on ME?” But since I am a people pleasing type of person, I usually just sigh an exasperated sigh, get over myself, and get on with helping them.

Now I know I am guilty of this too.

But I am learning to stop and ask the questions, “How can I make it easy for ______ to help me? What information should I include for ________ to best assist me? And what obstacles can I eliminate that might get in the way from ________ coming to my aid? ” before I extend myself and make the ask.

Next time you want help from me, or anyone else, think through how you can make it easy on the person who is sacrificing their time and energy to go out of their way for you.

Please.

Thank you.

{Steps off soapbox.}

Has anyone asked you for help lately but made it hard for you to help them? Or you have asked someone for help but not made it easy?