How to Ask for Help at Work
When employees are unwilling to ask for help, human resource managers perceive this as a lack of collaboration and cooperation. Unfortunately, most people are simply afraid to ask for help, they think it’s a sign of weakness. They are also nervous about incurring social debts and personal values. In this article, we will take a look at ways of asking for help at work and how human resource managers can create an environment where asking for help is encouraged.
Help Others First
By helping others, you will build a reputation that is positive and people will offer to help you. Since the effects are short-lived, help others regularly to continually renew your reputation. It is easier to ask for help when you’ve helped others before.
Know What You Want to Ask
Many people struggle to come up with a request. Fortunately, you can write goals on your current project and focus on them. Start by identifying the major goals, list the steps, and how to accomplish them. This includes advice, information, and materials. The series of needs can also be framed as questions.
Stop Assuming You Know What Others Know
The common mistake that many people make is to undervalue the will of others to help. Until you ask, you will never understand what others know and how far they can go to help you. Oftentimes, the people you turn to will help you indirectly by tapping their personal and professional links.
Encourage People to Ask for Help
Human resource managers should provide a working environment that’s easy to offer help and set the norms, tone, and practices. The feeling of psychological safety is built when you are giving and getting help. The results are improved customer service, excellent decision making, and engaged workers.
For positive cultures and individual success, giving and taking are needed. People want to reciprocate, so you have to be a giver and a taker. Practice asking and giving help regularly as a leader.
