We've all been there - faced with a challenging task at work, unsure of where to start or how to proceed. In these moments, the decision to ask for help can be a game-changer. Yet, how many times do you find yourself hesitating, reluctant to admit that you might not know what to do or that you can handle this on your own? However, if you were honest with yourself would it not just be easier to just sometimes ask for help?
Working it out on your own successfully will obviously give you a greater sense of achievement once you have completed it, but if you really can’t then here are 4 reasons why it's good to ask for help.
1. If it’s too difficult and takes up too much of your time it could lead to periods of stress, burnout, and a decrease in overall job satisfaction. This could be attributed to the possibility that, by refraining from seeking assistance, you may have taken longer to locate the essential resources and knowledge required, or perhaps not found them at all. Additionally, opting to tackle the task independently may cause you to overlook alternative perspectives that could have facilitated a more efficient approach to the assignment.
2. Another thing to consider is that contrary to popular opinion being self-sufficient is not always the key to success. When people feel comfortable asking for help, it creates an environment where collaboration is encouraged, and team members are more likely to share their knowledge and skills. This, in turn, leads to a more efficient and innovative work environment where everyone is working towards common goals.
3. Acknowledging that you don't have all the answers is important to your personal and professional growth. By asking for help, you will open yourself up to learning opportunities and skill development. You will hopefully find that colleagues and mentors will hopefully be able to provide you with valuable insights, share their experiences, and offer guidance that will help you to learn and develop.
4. The fear of being judged for asking for help is a common block that many people face as many people feel that it will be seen as a sign of weakness. However, it's essential to understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, rather it's a demonstration of self-awareness and a willingness to learn and improve. If you ignore opportunities to seek guidance, you may miss out on valuable insights, different perspectives, and collaborative solutions that could elevate the quality of your work.
So, I think it’s time that we shift the narrative around asking for help as being a weakness, and instead recognising it as a strength that will not only help you but will also pave the way for a more collaborative, learning oriented workplace where you and everyone else has the opportunity to thrive.