There are times when we all need a little help at work. Maybe you’ve made a mistake, taken on too many responsibilities, or feel like you don’t have the right skills or training for a task. Asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a smart way to keep projects on track and maintain your wellbeing.
Unfortunately, many employees hesitate to ask for help. They worry about being judged, imposing on others, or appearing incompetent. The truth is, most people are happy to help; you just need to know how to ask.
Here are Skillset’s top tips for asking for help at work:
1. Ask Early
Don’t wait until the problem becomes bigger. If you’ve made a mistake or are falling behind, seek help as soon as possible. Acting early gives you more options for a simple, cost-effective solution and shows initiative. If the issue is affecting your mental health, reach out promptly to your manager, colleagues, or even external support like a GP.
2. Identify the Right Person
Think about who is best placed to help. If you need help finding information, ask a colleague who works with similar files. If you need guidance on a project, your manager or someone experienced in that area may be the right person. Choosing the right person saves time and gets you closer to a solution.
3. Pick the Right Moment
Timing matters. Avoid asking for help when your colleagues are rushing to meet deadlines or preparing for important meetings. If they’re busy, send an email or message requesting a time to talk. This shows respect for their schedule and increases the chances of getting their full attention.
4. Be Prepared
Before you ask for help, gather the facts. For example:
- What tasks are you struggling with?
- How long do they take?
- Which tasks are most urgent?
- What’s not getting done?
Bring this information and possible solutions to the conversation. Could deadlines be adjusted? Could tasks be delegated? This demonstrates initiative and a willingness to collaborate.
Remember: Asking for Help Shows Strength
Most people can’t help if they don’t know you’re struggling. Asking for help shows you care about doing a good job and want to find solutions. As Steve Jobs famously said:
“I’ve never found anybody that didn’t want to help me if I asked them for help … Most people never ask. And that’s what separates sometimes the people who do things from the people that just dream about them.”
Creating a workplace culture where asking for help is encouraged leads to better teamwork, stronger mental health, and improved productivity. At Skillset, we believe that supporting each other is key to success.
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Skillset would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work.We are honoured to be on the ancestral lands of those whose cultures are among the oldest living cultures in human history. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present and to the younger generation of the community who will be the future leaders in years to come.