Here are tips for asking for help at work:
1. Be specific regarding the kind of help that you require.2. Ask for help in good time not at the last minute when a deadline is almost up.
3. When asking for help, outline what you have done so far.
4. Mention any approaches that you have tried that didn’t work to help save time and prevent others from doing similar methods or mistakes.
5. Be available to answer clarifying questions from the helper.
6. Identify colleagues who are most likely to provide the needed help and expertise.
7. Clearly point out when the task is due so that everyone is working towards the same deadline.
8. If you have delegated work to others, follow-up at specific periods to ensure everything is progressing well.
9. When seeking advice from others, listen keenly and take notes so that you can remember what to do the next time you face a similar problem.
10. If you are struggling with making a decision, come up with a few choices and present them to your boss to guide you on the best option.
11. A long-term strategy entails working with a mentor who can guide you in your job and you can benefit from their years of experience.
12. Similarly, network widely within your company with colleagues from other departments to get to know them, learn what they are doing and even collaborate on interdepartmental projects.
