It's okay to ask for help...really!

You’re a new leader and you have a lot of questions.

You don’t know where to begin and you’re afraid to ask for help.

In the previous role you were in, you were proficient and skilled in it.? Now, you’re asking yourself, “how long is it going to take for me to learn how to become proficient in my leadership skills and abilities?? How do I gain the necessary skills that I need?”

Depending on who you talk to, it can take three months to a year or more to feel comfortable in a new leadership role.?

• First three months:?New managers may start to feel more familiar with their day-to-day routines and relationships and begin to understand how to support their team.?
• Three months to a year:?Some say it can take this long to feel truly comfortable in a new role.
• 12-18 months:?Some say it can take this long to feel confident in a new role.?

It's important to remember that it's okay if it takes longer to feel comfortable in a new role.?If you feel like you're making progress and are getting positive feedback, you're on the right track.

Note:? Learning leadership through formal education can take anywhere from 1-2 years or more, depending on the level of degree and how much you want to learn.?

Asking for help when you don't know the answer can feel intimidating, but it's an essential skill in any workplace. Here's how to do it effectively:

1. Be Specific About What You Need Help With

• Identify the exact area where you’re struggling.
• Example: "I'm working on this report, but I'm stuck on the data analysis section. Could you guide me through it?"

2. Choose the Right Person

• Reach out to someone with expertise in that area, whether it’s your manager, a colleague, or a coach.
• Example: "I know you have a lot of experience with employee engagement—could I ask for your input on this particular challenge?"

3. Be Humble and Honest

• Acknowledge your limitations and be straightforward about what you don’t understand.
• Example: "I’m not familiar with this software, and I could use some help navigating it."

4. Show Willingness to Learn

• Express your eagerness to understand so that the person knows you’re committed to improvement.
• Example: "I'd love to learn how to do this better—could you explain how you approach it?"

5. Propose a Time for Assistance

• Be respectful of their time by asking when it would be convenient for them to assist you.
• Example: "If you have a few minutes later today, could you walk me through this issue?"

6. Thank Them and Apply What You Learn

• Show appreciation for their time and knowledge, and ensure you apply what they teach you in the future.
• Example: "Thank you so much for your help! I’ll take your advice and try it out."

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength and growth. Most people appreciate the opportunity to share their expertise!?