How to Ask for Help at Work Without Seeming Incompetent

How to Ask for Help at Work Without Seeming IncompetentHow to Ask for Help at Work Without Seeming IncompetentAt work, you want to be perceived asconfident, clever, and capable. But in order to grow, you need to get out of yourcomfort zone. And sometimes that requires biting off more than you can chew, taking on complicated assignments that require the help of others. Here are five ways to ask for help at work without coming off as incompetent.1. Approach with confidenceEveryone needs help sometimes, so dont apologize for it. Part of your managers job is to guide your projects. No ones hired with all the knowledge they need to do every task in the job description. Your manager expects you to consult her when you get stuck. Before going to her, figure out why you need help. Is this project beyond your skill set? Do you have so much other work to do that you cant meet a deadline? Then, be courageous. Instead of approaching her with, Im sorry to bother you with this. Go with, Id appreci ate your help with this.2. Do your homeworkGo to your manager with a specific question, situation, or plan. You may think you dont even know where to start, but dont let that overwhelm you. Make a bullet point list of the ways youve already tried to solve the issue so she doesnt waste time trying those solutions again. Write down any questions you have. Be ready to give a high-level synopsis of the situation. To focus your thoughts, use the who, what, when, where, why, and how method Who is involved in the problem? What exactly is the problem? When did the problem occur? Where did the problem happen? Why did the problem arise? How did the problem develop? Bringing these answers to your supervisor gives her context and the seeds of a plan.3. Know whose help you needHas a colleague already been through a similar situation? If the task is over your head, try to find a Subject Matter Expert within the company you can sound out before approaching your manager. Is this something a coworke r can assist you with? If you are temporarily overwhelmed with responsibilities, is there a peer willing to help you with a short-term task?4. Be willing to reciprocateThe best way to ask someone for help is to have already helped them, so be proactive. When a peer asks you for help, try to let Yes, be your first response so you can pay it forward. The time will come when you need to lean on them. Try to maintain an open line ofcommunicationwith your manager. If the only time you talk to her is when you have a problem, she wont want to see you. Seek mentors both inside and outside the company. You can tap these resources when you get in trouble.5. Remember that timing is everythingMake a good effort to accomplish the work yourself, but dont wait until the project is so at risk that the client is angry. Most managers prefer to clean up a small mess rather than a big one. And dont be a repeat offender. If your boss sends you emails regarding how to solve this problem, flag them and ke ep them for future reference. If the two of you are meeting about the problem, take notes and file them. Thank her for her help. If your company has a recognition, incentive, or reward program, make sure you use it to acknowledge her and every one else who helped you.A version of this post previously appeared onFairygodboss, the largest career community that helps women get the inside exklusivmeldung on pay, corporate culture, benefits, and work flexibility. Founded in 2015, Fairygodboss offers company ratings, job listings, discussion boards, and career advice.