asking for help in the workplace

ASKING FOR HELP IN THE WORKPLACE : 

ASKING FOR HELP IN THE WORKPLACE Technical Certificates – BAS3

ASKING FOR HELP WITH YOUR WORK : 

ASKING FOR HELP WITH YOUR WORK Asking for help is a skill related to effective time management and good decision-making. It should not construed as a sign of weakness or poor ability.

WHO SHOULD YOU ASK? : 

WHO SHOULD YOU ASK? Many people are convinced that theirs is the right way to solve a problem and try the same solution again and again, even though it is not working. Still others are unsure of who to ask, or become overwhelmed with anxiety, and do nothing.

WHY DO WE NEED HELP? : 

WHY DO WE NEED HELP? "There is a need to strike an appropriate balance between asking for assistance and not becoming too dependent on others. It is a balance that I have often struggled to get right,……. There is the danger of attempting to do things whilst not be being qualified and fully prepared and not only of failing but appearing arrogant.“ says Malcolm, Assistant Manager, Matalan UK.

WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR HELP – A CHECKLIST : 

WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR HELP – A CHECKLIST 1 - learn as much as you can independently and practice new tasks outside of work wherever possible. This helps prevent asking others for assistance unnecessarily, especially when you are under pressure. When you are anxious you cannot learn effectively

WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR HELP – A CHECKLIST : 

WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR HELP – A CHECKLIST 2 - If you have not done something before, and you are uncertain about how to go about it, then find a working example and use that as a benchmark. Then explain to colleagues what you have learnt and what additional actions you will add later when you repeat the process.

WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR HELP – A CHECKLIST : 

WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR HELP – A CHECKLIST 3 - If you need to ask somebody for assistance then you should do so. Make notes afterwards about what they suggest for future reference, to avoid going back to them. Also make sure that you thank them and acknowledge their expertise, knowledge and contribution; this helps keep them on my side going forward.

WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR HELP – A CHECKLIST : 

WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR HELP – A CHECKLIST 4 - gauge carefully who you can ask for assistance. If you suspect that someone may be reluctant or unwilling to assist, or may portray you in negative terms, then avoid approaching them. This is especially true with influential people. Asking influential people too often or unnecessarily for assistance can, you will find, will have enormous, negative repercussions. It will create an impression of lack of competence.

WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR HELP – A CHECKLIST : 

WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR HELP – A CHECKLIST You should try only to take on tasks when you are ready and say "no" if you feel they are outside of your capabilities.

AND FINALLY….. : 

AND FINALLY….. It's about getting the balance right: being seen to have the humility to ask for assistance when you need it, but not seen as less capable by seeking it when you do not. Remember that good managers "know what they don't know" and seek ideas, advice and answers from others. It not only saves time but helps build relationships with co-workers.