Just as the sun rises from the East, no person can go by without asking for help at some point in their lives. We have in fact asked for help many times, maybe to achieve a target, get directions or solve a tough problem. Asking for help is an important step in finding success in life simply because we can’t do everything on our own.
We all need a little support from time to time. It gives us the desired motivation to continue our work, stay on the path we’re on and fulfil our goals in life. However, despite holding such significance, this act is often perceived as a sign of weakness or ignorance according to a study in the Harvard Business Review.
It is no wonder then that we think twice before reaching out to someone for help. We often assume the worst. What will they think, that we’re incapable of working on our own? That we’ll be in their debt? To sum up, we don’t want to show our vulnerable side to anyone because we don’t want anyone to know our flaws. And therein lies the problem. We think being vulnerable and weak is the same thing. But that’s not true.
Showing our vulnerability by asking for help requires self-awareness and courage. It’s important to know where our strengths lie. Thus there is no harm in seeking support when needed. It is a sensible and smart thing to do.
So how can one get better at asking for help? Mentioned below are some ways to practise this important life skill.
Be specific while asking questions
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to ask someone for help, be specific. Make sure you ask the right questions and have an idea of the answers you may receive. Doing so will allow you to communicate your concerns accurately. The clearer your communication, the sooner you can get help to deal with the problem. It will also make things easier for the person you are approaching for help. They will know exactly what they need to do and how much time and energy can be devoted to your task. It gets even better if you let them decide how much support they can offer you.
Know why you need the support
It is important to be very clear about why you need the support before you ask someone for help. This will help you zero in on the problem you are facing, which in turn, can allow the person to come up with a quick solution. For example, if you want someone to introduce you to a CEO—do you want to connect with them to get some information for an article you are writing or do you want to meet them because you are looking for a job? The clearer you are about what you want from them, the better you can communicate your needs.
Being specific when asking for help clarifies your needs, making it easier for others to understand how they can assist you.
Understanding why you need support allows you to communicate your needs more effectively.
Giving others the chance to contribute fosters collaboration and encourages a sense of value. When you involve others in problem-solving or decision-making, you demonstrate respect for their expertise and create a supportive environment that encourages cooperation.
Offering help can strengthen relationships, create a sense of mutual support, and make others more receptive to helping you in return.
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