All the Help We Can Get

Women don’t always feel entitled to ask for help at work — even when we need it the most. But Heidi Grant says asking has psychological benefits for you and your colleagues. She explains how to approach your request strategically and why lending a hand to others can be good for you too.

We’re going to need all the help we can get to make it through this pandemic. But asking for help isn’t easy, especially when everyone around you is also maxed out. We assume that our request will be an imposition, or we worry that it’ll make us look like we can’t handle our jobs. Fortunately, the research shows that these fears are largely unfounded.

Social psychologist Heidi Grant says asking for the help you need can convey confidence and strengthen your relationships with colleagues. She explains how to ask in a way that will improve your chances of getting a “yes,” and why lending a hand to others is good for you too.

Our HBR reading list:

“Drowning in Work? Here’s How to Ask a Colleague for Help.” by Heidi Grant
“How to Get the Help You Need,” by Heidi Grant
“The Best Leaders Aren’t Afraid to Ask for Help,” by Peter Bregman
“5 Ways to Get Better at Asking for Help,” by Wayne Baker

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