Let’s be honest—none of us have it together at work 100% of the time. Confusion at work happens, especially in fast-paced environments. If you’re feeling lost, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean you’re falling behind.
Knowing how to overcome confusion at work can help you stay on track and build trust with your team. Let’s explore how to navigate the fog and regain your footing.
Redirect Before Reacting
We’ve all sat through meetings and walked away wondering what just happened. When confusion hits, don’t panic. Instead of admitting “I have no idea what’s going on,” try saying: “I’m still processing the details. I’ll circle back once I’ve reviewed them more closely.” It’s a professional way to signal clarity is coming—without putting yourself on the spot.
Ask Smart Questions
Confusion at work is normal—but clarity comes when we speak up. If a presentation is unclear or a task seems vague, don’t hesitate to ask for more information. Just be mindful of timing. Let speakers finish their point before jumping in, and focus on quality over quantity when asking follow-ups.
Buddy Up
Don’t underestimate the power of having a friend in the office! It is highly encouraged that you are able to lean on others in the office when you need help.
Most work environments have a group of seasoned employees that are glad to help when a new person comes along. However, it is best to use your observation skills to know when it is the best time to seek assistance.
Be sure to be aware of his/her demeanor in the moment you would like to seek help. If they are up to their elbows in work or the big boss is around to lay a heavier load on the team, this would not be the time to approach them. Simply shoot them an email with your concerns/confusion. Express that they can take their time getting back to you. This will show that you respect their time and their attention to your situation. In addition, it will show that you are grateful for the help whenever they can get back to you.
Prioritize
Sometimes it is hard to triage your questions but it is highly recommended to do so. If you are suddenly overwhelmed with a list of scenarios you have no idea how to tackle, take a few moments to organize them. How you do this is by taking this list and writing down which item is most urgent. Start to address the most urgent items and work your way down the list slowly. Bring someone alongside you to assist.
Try your best not to make your stress/anxiety towards the items contagious. Don’t cause someone else around you to feel the same things you are feeling. Doing this will make it harder for someone to help you. They will feel just as overwhelmed and clouded.
Communicate
If you are ever stuck and cannot find any way to get back on track, do not keep this to yourself. It is so important to express what is going on in your world when stuff is falling through the cracks. When you are allowing this to happen over and over again, your boss/manager will be able to see through the “I’m cool” demeanor.
Whatever you do, do not get stuck here! There will be more respect for you if you are open to communicating where the problem areas are as they surface.
Everyone deals with confusion at one point or another during the workplace. It is easier to become the genuine and loyal employee that truly cares to address this problem. Your boss will see this dedication and see that you are deserving of your position in the long run. Just follow these simple tips and you will be able to grow as a valued team member to your work environment!