How to Seek Help at Work Without Feeling Incompetent

Asking for help at work is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Author

Simon Gee
July 31, 2023

Asking for help at work is a sign of strength, not weakness. However, it's essential to approach seeking assistance in a way that showcases your competence and confidence.

Here are some practical tips to help you ask for help without sounding incompetent:

  1. Be Specific About Your Needs: Before seeking help, ensure you have a clear idea of what you require assistance with. For example:

"Hi Sarah, I am currently forecasting sales for the next quarter for our new product launch. I might have hit a roadblock with forecasting for region A."

  1. Frame Your Request Positively: Instead of saying, "I don't know how to do this," or "Can you show me how to do it," try a more positive approach:

"Do you mind checking if I am on the right track or if there’s a better way to approach it?"

  1. Show Your Work: Demonstrate that you've made an effort to solve the problem by outlining what you've already tried. This helps the person you're asking for help to understand your progress and how they can assist you.

With gratitude,