Could that have something to do with our reluctance to ask for help in the workplace?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, how does one politely ask for help at work \u2014 hopefully avoiding rejection? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are the questions we\u2019ll tackle in this article, so stay tuned! <\/p>\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/How-to-ask-for-hepl-professionally-1-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow to ask for help politely: 7 Tips for requesting assistance in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you want to know how to ask for help politely in a message or an email, there are several tips you should keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can try to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Help others to inspire reciprocity<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clarify what you want to ask<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make your request for help S.M.A.R.T.<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Identify the right person to ask<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consider the tone of your message<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Express your gratitude<\/strong>, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create a workplace culture where asking for help is encouraged<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s put these tips into practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Free team communication app<\/span>\nImprove collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/default.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n#1: Help others to inspire reciprocity <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to the authors of a 2021 paper on the benefits of being helpful<\/a>, there are two potential benefits<\/strong> to lending a helping hand to your fellow team members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Inspiring<\/strong> indirect reciprocity in those who observed your actions<\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s say Nick saw Eve helping her coworker finish their assignment. Going forward, Nick might be more inclined to help Eve because he perceives her as selfless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Gaining a reputation for being helpful. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
In other words, Nick might tell others around the office about Eve\u2019s selflessness, increasing her social capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, if you continually help others, you can expect to get help in return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, being helpful to others may make you feel more deserving of their help and, therefore, more willing to ask for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s an example of that conversation via the business communication platform, Pumble<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Asking](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Asking-for-help-after-earning-it-min-1.png\")
Asking for help after \u201cearning\u201d it on Pumble, a business communication app by CAKE.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Collaborate with your team in Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2: Clarify what you want to ask<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re more open to helping others, you\u2019re much more likely to ask for help yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, you can make the process even easier by understanding precisely what kind of help you need<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be sure who you need to ask for help and what exactly you need them to do, try to formulate your needs first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, think about your problem and write down: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The information you lack and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What your goal is. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
One of the experts we\u2019ve contacted on this matter, HR Specialist Faye Casement<\/a>, agrees with this approach:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Faye](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Faye-Casement.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThink about what you need help with and be specific in your request. This makes it easier for the others to understand how they can assist and reduces the chance of frustration on both sides.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
#3: Make your request for help S.M.A.R.T.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve probably heard of S.M.A.R.T. goals<\/a>, but now we\u2019re going one step further and introducing S.M.A.R.T. requests for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to know how to ask for help politely but professionally, consider the advice from the popular book on the skill of asking for help \u2014 All You Have to Do Is Ask<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the author of the book, sociologist Wayne E. Baker, a well-formulated request for help should be S.M.A.R.T.:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Specific<\/strong> \u2014 Don\u2019t beat around the bush, clearly state what you need help with to improve your chances of getting help. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Meaningful<\/strong> \u2014 Explain to your coworkers why the request is essential to you, even if you think it\u2019s self-evident (it rarely is, to be honest).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Action-oriented<\/strong> \u2014 Think of your request as a call to action, ultimately leading to your goal. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Realistic<\/strong> \u2014 Your request should be within the realm of possibility. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Time-bound<\/strong> \u2014 State when you need help and what is your deadline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you formulate your requests with these points in mind, people will be more likely to help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s see an example of this method in an exchange in Pumble, a team communication app<\/a> by CAKE.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"S.M.A.R.T.](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SMART-request-for-help-min-1.png\")
S.M.A.R.T. request for help on Pumble, a business communication app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n In our example, Anne covered all the points from the S.M.A.R.T. criteria, increasing the chances of getting the help she needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Stated her problem, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Explained why she was in a rush, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Defined what needs to be done, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Told Eve her deadline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
#4: Identify the right person to ask<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You might have to ask a few people before finding the right assistance, so don\u2019t get discouraged if, at first, you don\u2019t succeed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, if you need help with a task at work, it\u2019s only natural to ask the person on your team you\u2019re closest to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, what if they also lack the expertise or experience you need?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In that case, you shouldn\u2019t be surprised if they decline your request<\/a> for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When in doubt, ask the person most likely to have the skills you need,<\/strong> such as a senior coworker or a mentor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even if they can\u2019t help you, they\u2019ll probably point you in the right direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5: Consider the tone of your message<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Now that you\u2019ve found the right person for the task, all that\u2019s left to do is \u2014 ask. Easy enough, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, how do you politely ask for help at work? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, that\u2019s the tricky part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to improve your chances of getting a positive response, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Try not to sound too demanding<\/strong> \u2014 Provide sufficient context so it doesn\u2019t come across as if you think they\u2019re obliged to help you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be kind and humble<\/strong> \u2014 Don\u2019t be afraid to show your vulnerability. Admit that you\u2019ve tried to do something but failed, and that\u2019s why you need help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Show trust and <\/strong>respect<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Demonstrate your willingness to learn from the person you\u2019ve asked for help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mind the timing<\/strong> \u2014 Don\u2019t ask for help at the last minute. Check with the other person if they\u2019re available to talk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s look at an example in the team collaboration software Pumble<\/a> by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jim, a content writer, is asking his mentor Sabrina for help with the text he\u2019s working on.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Asking](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Asking-for-help-politely-min-1.png\")
Asking for help politely on Pumble, a business communication app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Jim first checked if Sabrina had time to talk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After Sabrina gave the go-ahead, Jim explained his problem and asked for help. He has shown his vulnerability and concern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thankfully, Sabrina agreed to help and assured Jim everything would be fine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 PUMBLE PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you struggle with asking questions in a professional environment, check out our guide to asking better questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How to Ask Better Questions at Work<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Elevate your workplace communication with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#6: Express your gratitude<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Showing appreciation for help is one of the key (often overlooked) steps in learning how to ask for help politely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether a person can help you or not, you need to at least thank them for their time and effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, thanking someone you work with<\/a> requires just as much forethought as asking for help in a message or an email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that in mind, here are some tips to help you formulate the perfect response:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Pinpoint exactly what you\u2019re grateful for.<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose the right medium to give thanks.<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be mindful of the <\/strong>level of formality<\/strong><\/a> you need to employ.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make it short and sweet.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In any case, expressing your gratitude should make the recipient more likely to help you (and others) in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#7: Create a workplace culture where asking for help is encouraged<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The great thing about understanding how to ask for help politely in a message or an email is that it\u2019s bound to rub off on other people at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you want to take an even more active role in creating a positive work environment<\/a> that encourages people to ask for help when they need it, here are some additional steps you can take: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Identify the barriers to asking for help<\/strong> \u2014 Look at your organizational communication<\/a> and identify the obstacles to asking for help. Are those who seek help viewed as incapable or weak? Are leaders giving the impression that they never need any help? Is there a lack of trust among the team members? Once you identify the barriers, you can deal with them. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reinforce your strengths<\/strong> \u2014 Understand which actions encourage your coworkers to ask for help, strengthen them, and apply them to all departments. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Model asking for help<\/strong> \u2014 When employees see that their leaders don\u2019t refrain from asking for advice or assistance, they are more likely to follow their lead. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reward asking for help<\/strong> \u2014 Recognize employees<\/a> who seek help and try to reward them. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Build a well-connected workplace with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that we\u2019ve covered actionable steps, let\u2019s list some useful phrases to help you become a better communicator<\/a> when you need help at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to ask for help politely: Phrases to use when you need assistance at work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are many different ways to ask for help, depending on the formality you want to use and the urgency of your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, you might say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cCould you please do me a favor?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cCan you give me a hand with this?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cWould it be too much trouble for you to\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cI could do with some help, please.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cCould you spare me a few minutes of your time, please?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
If you ever find yourself in a bind at work, you can use any of these phrases to ask for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you need more nuanced tips and details on how to politely ask for help over a message or email, check out the rest of the examples we\u2019ve compiled below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 PUMBLE PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to discover more useful phrases for different communication situations at the workplace, check out our following texts: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 120 Useful English Phrases for Business Meetings<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 15 Conflict Resolution Phrases to Use to Diffuse Conflict at Work <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
General phrases for asking for help<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Asking for help isn\u2019t always easy, but it doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re not sure how to ask for help in a message or in person at work, a simple general phrase will always do the trick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a couple of examples to get you started when you\u2019re lost for words: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCould \/ Would you do me a favor?\u201d<\/strong> <\/em>\u2014 for politely asking for help from people you know well<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHey, Jenna, I\u2019m glad I ran into you. Could you do me a favor and check the due date for the Johnson project?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCould I ask \/ bother you \/ trouble you\u2026\u201d <\/strong>\u2014 a more polite way of asking for a quick favor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cMs. Perez, could I trouble you to book a hotel for our business trip?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan you give me a hand with this?\u201d<\/strong> <\/em>\u2014 for asking people you know well for help <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cRobert, can you give me a hand with these boxes I need to take to the warehouse?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLend me a hand with this, will you?\u201d<\/strong> <\/em>\u2014 a little more polite and old-fashioned direct request for help<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cI need to move this table and make room for one more chair. Lend me a hand, will you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCould you help me for a second?\u201d<\/strong> <\/em>\u2014 a more polite way of asking for a quick favor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cMr. Scott, I\u2019m glad you\u2019re here. Could you help me for a second?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I ask a favor?\u201d<\/strong> \u2014 a general way of introducing a request for help<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cCan I ask a favor? I need someone to log into my computer at the office and upload a file to my cloud storage so I can work on it at home.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease, could I ask you for some advice?\u201d <\/strong>\u2014 a direct request for help<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cKim, you\u2019ve been in this company much longer than I have. I am having trouble with some clients. Please, could I ask you for some advice?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
More formal phrases for asking for help<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Not sure how to ask your boss (or a colleague you don\u2019t know so well) for help? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Might be best to err on the side of caution and go with a more formal request for help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some examples to help you get the gist of how to ask for help professionally in a more formal setting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI could use some help if you have a moment.\u201d <\/strong>\u2014 a direct request for help that considers the helper\u2019s time<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been feeling somewhat overwhelmed with the scope of my responsibilities. I could use some help with this task, if you have a moment.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWould you mind giving me a hand?\u201d <\/strong>\u2014 a semi-formal way to request assistance<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHey Jackson. Would you mind giving me a hand with this report, if you\u2019re not too busy?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wonder if you could help me with this?\u201d<\/strong> <\/em>\u2014 polite and can be used with people you don\u2019t know very well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cI\u2019m not sure if you\u2019re the right person to ask, but I appreciate your time. I wonder if you could help me with this document. I heard you know a lot about this topic.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would be most grateful if you could give me some help.\u201d<\/strong> <\/em>\u2014 a formal, polite, and direct way of asking for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cMr. Brown, I am afraid I don\u2019t have enough information on this case. I would be most grateful if you could give me some help.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWould it be too much trouble for you to\u2026\u201d<\/strong> <\/em>\u2014 a polite and direct request for help<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cMs. Peterson, would it be too much trouble for you to give me an estimate on the delivery time frame?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Phrases for asking for help when you are in an emergency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Desperate times don\u2019t necessarily have to equal desperate measures. At least when it comes to asking for help at work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 15 Conflict Resolution Phrases to Use to Diffuse Conflict at Work <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Reinforce your strengths<\/strong> \u2014 Understand which actions encourage your coworkers to ask for help, strengthen them, and apply them to all departments. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose the right medium to give thanks.<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pinpoint exactly what you\u2019re grateful for.<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be kind and humble<\/strong> \u2014 Don\u2019t be afraid to show your vulnerability. Admit that you\u2019ve tried to do something but failed, and that\u2019s why you need help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Try not to sound too demanding<\/strong> \u2014 Provide sufficient context so it doesn\u2019t come across as if you think they\u2019re obliged to help you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Meaningful<\/strong> \u2014 Explain to your coworkers why the request is essential to you, even if you think it\u2019s self-evident (it rarely is, to be honest).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Specific<\/strong> \u2014 Don\u2019t beat around the bush, clearly state what you need help with to improve your chances of getting help. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gaining a reputation for being helpful. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Clarify what you want to ask<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/default@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n