I often come across team members who are always hesitant to ask for help when they get stuck. Asking for help is seen as being incompetent. In today’s competitive world, people over commit and as a result underperform. Saying “No” and asking for “help” when needed not only makes one efficient but also makes their team efficient.

 It’s OK to ask for help. Seeking help does not make you weak.

As you grow into a strong leader and build strong leaders in your team, instill the belief that asking for help at the right time not only helps you but also your team. Work with your team to understand the reason if they are hesitant to come forward and ask for help. This will save a lot of time and thus cost in the long run. Projects will be successful when there is a good understanding of team’s strength and when they leverage the strength of one another.

Most hesitate to come forward with their problems and ask for help because of these reasons.

1. They think they should know how to get this done
2. They do not know who to ask help
3. They do not want to distract someone who is busy
4. They think they look bad in front of their boss
5. They are afraid that others won’t help when they ask.

Ask help such that you grow and you provide an opportunity for others to grow.

Here is the perspective –

By asking for the right kind of help and support,

1. You are giving another person an opportunity to share their knowledge and get noticed as a team player, problem solver and also an expert in the area of your concern.
2. You are providing an opportunity for the other person to display their leadership skills (helping others).
3. You are giving yourself the opportunity to portray your best interest in the success of your team, not just yourself.
4. You are demonstrating your leadership skills and your delegation skills by leveraging others knowledge.
5. You are providing the organization an opportunity to build good team spirit and culture. When people closely work together and help each other, they form stronger teams.

Apply your discretion on what and when to ask. It is important that you know when to approach others and when not to. Keep the following in mind to help you make this decision.

1. Do not rush asking for help when you encounter a roadblock. Take some time to look for other possibitlies. Think out of the box to find solutions.
2. Look for other sources such as material and know how’s on the intranet, past project documents and such.
3. Determine the urgency and importance of your task. Remember all urgent tasks are necessarily NOT important.
4. Do not ask for help on the same issue again and again. If someone helped you in the past on the same or similar issue, it is your responsibility to learn and document it for your reference.

What are your experiences when you were asked for help and/or when you reached out for help?