Help! From time to time, we each can use a little (or a lot of) help. Whether it is to learn something new, to solve a problem, or to complete a task that is larger than we can accomplish on our own, having help can be beneficial.
Our workplaces have available help in a variety of forms.
- Help Desks: The number you call or the email you can send reaches out to technical experts who can provide tips and solutions.
- EAPs: Employee Assistance Programs provide access to resources, counselling, and supports that can improve both your personal and professional lives. Explore what is available and what might be useful to you.
- Education: Internally provided training and education can be helpful. Some organizations also offer tuition reimbursement for job-related learning. Take advantage of learning opportunities.
- Online Tutorials: Millions of tasks and skills have how-to videos and online tutorials now available. Be sure to use credible sources for this how-to learning.
- People: Typically, people do want to be helpful. Also typically, people do wait to be asked for help. Look around you. Which people could be mentors? Which could be teachers? Which could be peers working with you to accomplish a goal? Look for people have the time and talents to help you with your endeavors.
Asking for help can be challenging. We each want to feel capable and independent. Yet, there are times when we don’t have the knowledge, skills, or energy to complete the task(s) at hand and we can use help. Here are some guides for asking and receiving help.
- Muster up the courage to ask for help.
- Organize your thought. Be clear about what you need and what help you are looking to receive.
- Determine who you will ask for help. Ask yourself whether the person has available time and the right skills or knowledge.
- Approach the person you’ve identified and clearly state what help you are looking to receive.
- Clearly identify WHO will do WHAT by WHEN. Again, be clear about who is going to do what tasks by what deadline.
- Share willingness to learn, to work together, and to be reciprocally helpful to the person helping you.
- Thank the person/people who have helped you to accomplish the task(s).
Asking for help takes practice. You’ll likely be surprised at the benefits gained by asking others for help during the work week.
Your Call to Action: Ask for help with clarity and a willingness to also be helpful to others.
Workplace: Managing the moments of our day-to-day business lives takes work. Together, let’s explore what issues and activities affect us every day (or some days) that we go to work. – Jana