The Asking Price

He asked for help. That was the asking price.

Not money. Not a promotion. Not equity or title or corner office. He asked for help. Walked into his manager’s office and said “I’m struggling” and answered questions honestly because he thought that’s what you do.

A month later, he was out. Restructured. Position eliminated. Timing coincidental.

The asking price of honesty at work is your job. Not always. Not everywhere. But often enough that people have learned. You don’t tell them you’re struggling. You perform fine. You straighten your tie and smile and when someone asks how you’re doing, you say “busy but good” and everyone moves on.

The ones who ask for help get helped out the door.