From time to time, you might find yourself a little bit overwhelmed in your work. Instead of delegating some of that extra work out, most of us tend to try and use every trick in the book to get the job done ourselves, such as the one featured in the short, six-second video below.

That’s why it’s important to remember that a little resource leveling never hurts on a project. Simply asking team members, either during a status meeting or one on one, how they are doing and if they need help can do a world of good midway through the project when things have hit their stride and a routine is starting to form.  The tricky part is when you’re working with independent contractors who are afraid to speak up about their true (lack of) availability, for fear they might lose billable work. Unfortunately, I don’t have a great answer for this. Emphasizing quality of work performed over quantity in terms of contractor compensation is one method, but that only goes so far.

In the end, it’s a matter of being open and honest, and asking for the same in return.

As for myself? I’m vowing to give up my caffeinated body wash and lip balm for a month. Perhaps some soothing green tea will steady the nerves and give me a new, healthy outlook on life. At least until the shakes set in.