Asking for help is a skill, here’s how to do it

From how we work to where we work, our whole relationship with work is changing — and nearly two-thirds of professionals say they’re seeking more support than ever. But asking for help can feel tricky. Many worry that reaching out might make them look inexperienced, unprepared, or even put their job security at risk. But the truth is, it doesn’t!

While our data shows many professionals do feel uneasy asking for help from colleagues of different generations, the reality is, asking for help is actually a skill. Knowing when and how to ask can make a real difference — and it’s a strength, not a weakness.

Why professionals need more guidance than ever?

Even if we’re staying put in our roles, our jobs are changing around us. Whether it’s learning to use AI tools to automate the daily grind, or improving communication with coworkers across generations, or figuring out how to navigate return-to-office mandates — it’s a lot of change. All of this requires us to keep growing and adapting, sometimes faster than we’d like!

If asking for help at work makes you feel a bit uneasy, you’re not alone. More than a third of professionals worry about saying the wrong thing — like asking a question that might sound silly or something they’re "supposed" to know already. It’s tough to reach out because none of us like to feel vulnerable. We don’t want our boss or coworkers to think we’re struggling or that we don’t have it all under control.

But the reality is, your management team wants you to ask — because they want you to succeed. As CEO of General Motors Mary Barra, so perfectly says: “Leader’s listen. It’s OK to admit what you don’t know. It’s OK to ask for help. And it’s more than OK to listen to the people you lead. In fact, it’s essential.”

4 tips to be an expert on how to ask for help?

Asking for help is a skill and like other skills, the more you do it, the better you’ll be at it — and the better your results will be. Lean into the network you have: we’re all more successful when we tap into the community we’ve built.?

Knowing when to go to your boss for help is key. Your boss shouldn’t always be the first person you ask for help. Your network is full of people with different skills and backgrounds. Take a minute to consider who you know that can help with your specific question. However, if you’ve exhausted other options, don’t waste time spinning your wheels — a quick check-in with your manager can provide the clarity and direction you need to move forward efficiently.

Do your homework first. Before reaching out, take a few minutes to try finding the answer on your own. Check online, search through your email, or explore your company’s intranet. LinkedIn is also a goldmine of insights—from newsletters and podcasts like Get Hired and Hello Monday to a library of learning courses and advice from Top Voices. Showing that you’ve done some digging and have thought through possible solutions before making the ask can make a big difference.

Be specific about what you need. When you ask for help, be concise and clear about what you’re trying to solve. Describe the kind of help you’re looking for — whether it’s advice, tools, or something else — along with what you’ve already tried and when you need feedback. Being clear will make it easier for others to pitch in.

Show gratitude and offer to return the favor. A simple thank you can go a long way, and offering to help them out in the future goes even further. Chances are, someone in your network will need your support at some point, too. Making time to help others builds goodwill and strengthens your team’s sense of collaboration.

Remember, asking for help is a skill. When you do it right, it can be a powerful way to learn, strengthen relationships at work, and boost your productivity. It’s even something you can highlight in a job interview — think of it as saying, “I’m a good problem-solver, but I also know when to ask for help to keep things moving forward.”

With work changing so fast, it’s totally normal not to have all the answers. So don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. Asking for help isn’t just okay—it’s smart!