The world is changing. An increasing number of people are working from home – either telecommuting to their place of employment or creating their own entrepreneurial place of employment. Others who work in more conventional work settings spend their break time on their smart phones or other mobile devices.
The end result is less interaction with others. While that may result in fewer cliques at the work place and less comparison with others’ accomplishments that can lead to self-criticism, it also reduces the degree of camaraderie that historically had been part of many successful work environments.
Being able to share goals and laughter and even complaints can be good for morale. But one of the major benefits that can occur when workers work and share together is the benefit of not feeling alone when they have problems to solve. Unless management unwisely discourages it, an environment that fosters the ability to ask for help can increase both self-confidence and productivity. Research has documented the benefits that accrue to both the helper and the person being helped.
The work place isn’t the only culprit in this area. Growing up without close friendships or with parents who did not encourage social caring and sharing often wind up having the same issues about asking for help. They simply don’t know how.
Asking for help from someone you consider to be your equal is a skill that may not get developed in isolation. It is, however, an important skill to work on developing. No one has all the answers, and not all questions or problems require an individual struggle for resolution without help or guidance. There is sometimes a fine line between giving up too quickly on the one hand and needlessly struggling when help and guidance is available.
If you have a good group of friends or a good group of coworkers, learning how and when to ask for help is a normal part of the socialization process. For those of you whose lifestyle may involve a considerable amount of isolation, please be aware that humans are social animals, and asking for help is a normal human activity.