When Should You Ask for Help at Work?

It’s not always easy to ask for help. Those who see asking for help as a sign of weakness should think again. It takes strength and courage to admit that you don’t understand something or are in over your head and need a helping hand. While everyone already knows you aren’t perfect and can’t handle everything that comes your way, it’s still not easy to approach them to lend a hand.

Nonetheless, there are going to be occasions when you need to admit defeat and call in the cavalry. Here are some examples of those times and what you could say when you request assistance with them. Gather your courage and best of luck!

You haven’t the faintest idea what you’re doing

You don’t like to think about it happening to you, but it could. You’ve been assigned a project at work, and when you start to dig into it, you suddenly realize you don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing.

This scenario has no options. You’ll drive yourself crazy if you blindly move forward without a clue. And you’ll end up looking pig-headed and inept. Go to your supervisor or a co-worker and let them know you’re confused and ask them to talk you through the basics of the project.

You have way too much on your plate

Once again, this will probably happen to you sooner or later. You temporarily forgot how to say “No” and now you’re snowed under with work. You’ve done the math, and there is no way you can finish everything by the due dates.

Where do you go from here? To your co-workers, of course. Let them know what happened and ask if they can help with certain tasks that lend themselves to their areas of expertise. Just remember to return the favor when the tables are turned.

You’ve made a mistake

To err is human. How many times have you heard that? Your boss understands that you will make an occasional mistake. What they don’t understand is if you try to hide it. Or, worse yet, if you try to fix it by getting other workers involved. Now you could be making the problem much worse and wasting more labor hours.

Tell your supervisor immediately. Experienced managers won’t try to make you feel more embarrassed than you already are. Their job is to work with you to find the best solution. Whatever you do, don’t ever try to sweep a mistake under the rug. It could end up costing you your job.

Are you looking for a rewarding career?

Select Staff is a leading staffing company in Dallas, Texas specializing in the placement of light industrial, office and clerical, and accounting and finance personnel throughout the state. If you’re looking to move your career forward, contact the experts at Select Staff.

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