Insufficient collaboration in firms is not due to employees' indifference towards helping others but rather an unwillingness to ask for help. Many people still perceive asking for help as a sign of weakness and incompetence, or they fear having to return a favour. Whatever your reason may be, it's a bad one. Being able to ask for help in fact demonstrates mental strength and responsibility. The following recommendations on getting rid of unpleasant feelings associated with requesting help and promoting collaboration at the workplace appeared on the Harvard Business Review website.
1. Help others
Build your reputation as a colleague who is willing to help and does not want anything in return. Others will then be more ready to help you when you need it.
2. Be clear about what you need to know
When you decide to ask a colleague for help, don't come with a general statement that something does not work. Formulate your request in advance. First consider what goals you want to achieve and what specific steps it will require.
3. Use the SMART method
Your request should be specific (who, what), meaningful (why), action-focused (how), real and time-specific (when).
4. Do not anticipate rejection
Do not assume others don't want to help you. Remember that you can never know what others know, whom they know, and how they can help you. Even if you don't specifically mention it, they might involve their contacts in solving your problem.
5. Stop being afraid
Create a working environment in which help will be the norm. Show subordinates and colleagues there is no need to worry. Emphasise that asking for help may be more effective than spending time on a problem with which a colleague could easily assist.
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