06/20/2023
HBR
Today’s Tip
How to Get Better at Asking for Help
For many of us, asking for help is hard. Whether you’re afraid of feeling vulnerable, being rejected, or you just prefer to do things independently, you can take steps to overcome your reluctance to ask for help.
Seek out resources. Investigate your blockages and recognize the importance of getting over them. (Reading this tip could be a great first step!) But if you find you need further encouragement, technology has made it easier than ever to find the right coach or therapist.
Reframe your perception of help. Consider that asking someone for help isn’t burdening them, but giving them an opportunity to step up. Contributing to the success of the team is a win-win proposition.
Craft your request carefully. Make sure the help you ask for is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This will increase the likelihood that your needs get met.
Communicate openly and authentically. The more people understand the problems you’re facing, the more equipped they’ll be to help you solve them.
Practice. Start small and see how it feels. Reach out to someone you’re super comfortable with, perhaps a family member or a trusted coworker, and ask for their help with something minor. You might be surprised by people’s willingness to lend a hand.
This tip is adapted from “Why It’s So Hard to Ask for Help,” by Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries
