How to ask for what you need at work

When to use it

Use it when something specific is blocking you, like access, information or a decision. Name exactly what you need and ask who can provide it. Struggling quietly costs time; a clear request usually gets sorted quickly.

Example

In an email or Slack message

In Slack: “Blocker: I need access to the sales data to finish the report by Friday. Who should I ask?” The word “blocker” tells people it's urgent without exclamation points.