How to ask for a favor at work without making it awkward

woman asking for a favor at work

Yes, we know asking for favors can be awkward at times.

But sometimes the only way to get something done is to ask for help—and if you’re at work, that means asking a colleague.

Asking for a favor at work is like anything else: it takes practice, preparation, and confidence. If you learn the art of making the request, you can confidently ask for what you need without feeling embarrassed or like you’re imposing on someone else.

In this article, we will walk through everything you can do to make sure your favor requests are successful. We will talk about preparation and timing, making your request clear and concise, setting reasonable expectations of the outcome, and much more. Let’s get started!

Consider the timing

When it comes to asking for a favor at work, timing is everything.

If you catch your coworker at the wrong place at the wrong time, you risk potentially appearing impolite or aggressive.

It’s best to try and ask for favors when both of your schedules are clear and you each have enough time to discuss what it is that you need help with. This way, the person knows that your request isn’t intrusive and that you respect their time.

Choose your language wisely

It may seem simple, but the words you choose to explain your request have a significant impact. 

Start by explaining that you’re asking for a favor—this sets the expectation correctly. Then, explain why you think they are the best person to turn to for help, that is because they have specific skills or knowledge relevant to the task. Be sure to recognize what they bring to the table.

Finally, let them know how much time and effort it will take so they can decide if they are able and willing to do it. Once you explain which of their resources are needed, express your appreciation for their help in advance—this will show your respect and make them more likely to say yes.

Give something in return
giving someone a gift

Image Credits: japanesequizzes.com

Another way to make sure you don’t feel awkward when asking for a favor is to give something in return.

You don’t have to physically give something, and it could be as simple as offering to return the favor. Your colleague will appreciate that you are willing to reciprocate the help they are giving you.

But if you can, expressing your gratitude is one of the best ways to show appreciation after they help you out. Offering up a thank-you note or treat can go a long way in making the favor-asking process comfortable for everyone involved.

It doesn’t need to be expensive either—even a small snack or chocolate bar can do the trick! But if you’re asking for a particularly big favor, it doesn’t hurt to offer up a sizeable type of “compensation.”

Have a clear direction

Asking someone for help is great, but you don’t want your request to be open-ended.

Having a well-defined goal will help set expectations and alleviate any confusion between you and the person you are asking for assistance.

Here are a few tips:

  • Be direct and concise with your ask. Explain what it is you need help with, what the timeline is, and any special instructions that may be involved in the task.
  • Come prepared with written instructions if needed. Make it easy for your coworkers to understand what exactly they need to do and how they can go about doing it with things in black and white.
  • Anticipate potential problems that may arise when asking for the favor, so you have a plan of action in case something doesn’t go as expected.
Know when to give up
colleagues talking behind a glass door

Image Credits: msn.com

As we come to a close, know that there comes a time when you should give up and move on.

If your colleague has already told you no, don’t keep pushing it—there must be a reason why they said no, and pressuring them more won’t get them to change their mind anytime soon.

Nobody likes an annoying pest. Sometimes even if you’re as polite and professional as possible while asking for a favor, things may not work out the way it was expected.

That’s why it’s wise to acknowledge that the other person might not be able to give what was asked for. Just thank them for their consideration and apologize if necessary. This will keep things from turning sour and leave things on a positive note.

Asking for a favor can be an intimidating proposition, especially when it’s at work. Building strong relationships with your colleagues is key and being respectful and thoughtful when asking for a favor will go a long way. If a favor is denied, thank the person for their time and consideration. There may still be other ways to get what you want, such as finding a different person to ask, or approaching the task differently. With practice and patience, asking for a favor at work can become less intimidating and more efficient.

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Supercharge your goal achievement by vocalizing

a man talking to himself

You may be wondering what on earth vocalizing has to do with goal achievement.

Plenty, as it turns out. In this article, allow us to show you how vocalizing your goals can help you achieve them faster and (much) easier.

Why vocalizing your goals is important

When you tell other people about your goals, you’re also putting them into the universe.

And that’s a good thing because the more people know about your goal, the greater the chance of it coming true.

But there’s more to it than just telling other people. When you vocalize your goals, you’re also putting them into your head. You’re making them more real, and that increased level of reality can help make them happen.

The power of speaking your goal out loud

When you don’t believe something, it’s hard to make it happen.

But when you speak your goal out loud, you’re putting yourself in a better position to achieve it. That’s because saying your goal out loud activates the power of belief.

It’s one thing to read about achieving your dreams or writing them down in a journal, but it’s another thing entirely to vocalize them. And when you do, you’re not only committing yourself to them but also giving yourself the opportunity to be held accountable.

In addition to activating the power of belief, speaking your goal out loud can also help to motivate and focus you on tasks. It creates a sense of urgency and purpose that can help you push through any challenges or setbacks along the way.

Writing down your goals and reading them out loud
a person journaling

Image Credits: unsplash.com

What you focus on expands.

This is true when it comes to goal achievement. The more you focus on your goals and the actions you need to take to achieve them, the more likely you are to reach them.

But it’s not just about focusing on your goals. You also need to get rid of any limiting beliefs that might be holding you back. Verbal affirmations can help with that too.

How to make vocalizing a part of your goal-setting process

Would you like to learn how to make vocalizing part of your goal-setting process?

Firstly, make sure that before you start, you are in the right frame of mind. That means being positive and believing that you can achieve your goals.

We can’t stress this enough: write out your goals and then read them out loud with conviction. You will be surprised at how much that helps to reaffirm what it is that you want to achieve and how strong it will make your intentions.

Another great way to vocalize your goals is by setting aside time each day to state them aloud. Additionally, declaring the steps that you will take that day towards achieving what it is that you want will help keep you motivated and drive progress, even if it’s just 1%.

Vocalizing your goals can also help develop healthy mental habits for goal achievement. Not only does it keep things top-of-mind, but it also amplifies positive thinking which can help increase motivation and productivity levels. So why wait? Start vocalizing today and supercharge your goal achievement!

You don’t have to be an authority figure to get the benefits of vocalizing your goals. You can start small, by vocalizing your objectives for the week or the month. As you continue to vocalize your plans, you will start to see a change in your mindset and in your ability to achieve whatever you set your mind to. And the best thing of it all? You can start right where you are—now!

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The essential elements of finding a business partner

two men shaking hands

So you’ve decided to start your own business?

Well, don’t rejoice too early. You will probably need to start finding the right business partner(s). There are also a few essential elements to keep in mind when searching for the ideal person.

How to find the right person for your business

Before you start your search for a business partner, assess your strengths and weaknesses. This way, you can find a partner who is complementary to your skillset.

Trust is also a factor when choosing a business partner. This person will be working with you closely, day in and day out, so make sure that you can count on them implicitly. Do they have the same values as you? Can you see yourself working with them for the long haul?

Criteria for choosing a business partner

Consider the following three criteria:

  • Find someone with knowledge of your industry.

This person will help you navigate the waters and make sure you don’t make any rookie mistakes.

  • Find someone with a skill set that complements your own.

This is someone who can help you take your business venture to the next level. If you’re not great with numbers, for example, it would be helpful to find a partner with financial expertise.

  • Ensure that you and your partner share the same goals and values.

This is the foundation of any successful business partnership. If you can’t see eye-to-eye on the big things, your partnership is doomed to fail.

The benefits of partnerships
female colleagues discussing work over coffee

Image Credits: bbc.com

A good business partner can lighten your workload and help you achieve your goals.

They can also fill in the gaps of your weaknesses and help you grow as a business owner. 

However, finding the right partner is essential—you don’t want to end up with someone who’s going to hold you back or drag you down.

Steps for forming a successful partnership

Start with a frank discussion about both of your backgrounds, skillsets, and how previous experiences can be leveraged towards your new venture.

You should also discuss your long-term goals and vision for the future of the business. This will help you in creating a co-owner agreement that outlines each partner’s roles and responsibilities, as well as what would happen in the event of a disagreement or one partner wanting to move on.

It should also cover who gets what percentage of profits, who has decision-making power in which areas of the business, etc. Having this agreement in place from day one will make sure that expectations between each partner are set from the get-go.

When you’re looking for a business partner, keep in mind the things that are essential to you. Do you need someone with a lot of experience in the industry you’re working in? Or do you need someone with a lot of business experience? Think about the qualities you need in a business partner and start your search by targeting those people. Use your network to find people who might be a good fit and reach out to them. The more people you talk to, the more likely you are to find the right partner for your business.

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How to Overcome the Fear of Trying New Things (Again)

The new Year of the Rabbit is the perfect time to take the leap by learning or trying something new. You can take up ceramics, learn French, start a book club, plant a seed, go back to the dating scene, or try indoor rock-climbing. As for me, I have to learn how to drive again.

I started learning how to drive in 2016 and encountered several accidents in the first few years. As time passed, I became more fearful and started to avoid driving by myself. I do not want to quit just yet. I am slowly regaining the confidence I once had.

The thing that no one mentions about stretching yourself is that it really sucks sometimes. Yes, trying new things is exciting, but it can also be terrifying and embarrassing. Getting over the initial fear of trying new things and actually having fun is part of the journey.

On that note, here are four strategies you can apply to overcome the fear of trying new things.

#1: JUMP WITH THE RIGHT MINDSET

People tend to approach a new experience in two ways – wanting to learn a skill or wanting to master it. The former encourages the learner to make mistakes and figure out how to do the process while having an enjoyable time. While the latter finds delight in doing well, impressing others, and discovering their natural talent in something.

Learning a new skill and having the ability to laugh at your own mistakes takes off the pressure. Creating mishaps is part of the process. For instance, you want to finish a marathon. Running in under two hours can be your goal, but getting in shape and meeting new friends are worthy outcomes too.

#2: REMEMBER THAT IT’S OKAY TO NOT LOVE IT RIGHT AWAY

No matter what new skill you are trying to learn, it is more likely that you won’t have a blast at the beginning. Organizational behavior researcher Keith Rollag once highlighted: “From an evolutionary standpoint, trying new things, for much of human history, could have been dangerous. Your performance can have a big impact on your status.” Status affects our ability to get the resources we need to survive. The fear of trying new things was an issue of survival.

One of the challenges of starting new experiences, joining new groups, and meeting new people is the anxiety of being the newcomer. Not loving the process right away is not a sign that you have made a terrible mistake. Instead, it is part of being human.

#3: DON’T CONFUSE YOUR FEELINGS

Anxiety and excitement are two sides of the same coin. Ever notice that all these feelings manifest in the same way? Whether you are nervous or excited, you get butterflies in your stomach and sweaty palms. You pace back and forth. Notice a man in his first job interview and compare it with a man who is about to propose. Both men feel adrenaline coursing through their veins. The body interprets the high-stakes situation in the same way.

This just shows that the brain is creating the story we tell ourselves. Bringing awareness to this fact will help us to manage our feelings better.

#4: BREAK IT DOWN INTO SMALL PARTS

The best way to deal with your current situation is to break down a task into manageable steps. When Michael Phelps competed in the Beijing Olympics, he had to swim with visual challenges. His goggles began filling with water the moment he dove in the 200-meter butterfly race. He recalled the race in an interview with CBS News:

“They started filling up more and more and more. And about 75 meters left in the race, I could see nothing. I couldn’t see the black line. I couldn’t see the T. I couldn’t see anything. I was purely going by stroke count. And I couldn’t take my goggles off because they were underneath two swim caps.”

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Despite not being able to see where he was and where he was going, he counted the strokes. He bagged the gold medal in that race and broke the world record. Breaking down the task into several parts motivated him to finish the race. A person who is learning how to drive can start by learning the safety protocols and theoretical background of driving, before practicing in an actual driving course.

Learning takes time and your journey is uniquely yours.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Why survivor bias is a major pitfall and how to avoid it

Fooled by the Winners: How Survivor Bias Deceives Us

Survivor bias is a type of cognitive error that can lead to faulty decision-making.

This bias can be dangerous because it can cause us to overlook potential red flags and make poor decisions based on inaccurate information. So how can we avoid it?

Below, we will discuss some ways to minimize the effects of survivor bias and make better decisions based on the information that’s available.

What is survivor bias and how can it affect our thinking?

Survivorship bias occurs when researchers focus on individuals, groups, or cases that have passed some sort of selection process while ignoring those who did not.

In other words, it happens when we place too much weight on the successes and forget about the failures. This is a major pitfall because it can lead us to make mistakes about the world around us.

We might think that a certain strategy or approach is more successful than it is, or that a particular subgroup represents an entire group. It’s important to be aware of survivorship bias and to take steps to avoid it so that we can make sound decisions based on accurate information.

The dangers of assuming success when using survivor bias
analyzing data

Image Credits: analyzingalpha.com

When you’re relying on survivor bias, you’re making the dangerous assumption that everyone who has made it this far must be good.

You’re not considering the possibility that this person’s success may be a one-time fluke, or that they got lucky in some way. This can lead to some pretty bad decision-making.

For example, if you’re hiring for a new position and only consider the candidates who have been successful in their previous roles, you may be overlooking someone who is perfectly suited for the job but has had a few rough patches along the way.

Another common example of survivor bias at work is when investors put all their money into a single stock, based solely on published investment fund return data. This can be a disastrous decision, especially if the company suddenly goes bankrupt.

Practical tips to reduce the risk of making decisions based on survivor bias

When it comes to making decisions, be aware of the pitfalls of survivor bias. 

Here are a few practical tips to help reduce the risk of making decisions based on this type of error:

  • Don’t rely on anecdotal evidence.

Survivor bias often leads people to make decisions based on personal experiences or stories they’ve heard from others. However, personal experiences are not always representative of the larger group, so gather data from a variety of sources before coming to any conclusions.

  • Exercise caution when comparing groups.

It’s natural to want to compare different groups and see which one comes out on top. However, this can be a risky move, especially if you’re not taking into account all the factors involved. Always use caution when comparing groups and make sure you’re looking at all relevant facts before drawing any conclusions.

  • Remember that success is not always representative of the entire group.

Just because a particular group or investment has had success, doesn’t mean that every other group or investment is doomed to fail.

When it comes to making decisions, be aware of the potential for survivor bias. This is when you make decisions based on the evidence you have in front of you, without taking into account the fact that you might be biased. For example, if you only looked at successful businesses, you would be underestimating the risk of starting your own niche business. This is a major pitfall because it can cause you to make mistakes based on your beliefs. To avoid this, try to look at the evidence from as many different angles as possible. This way, you can make a more informed decision based on a well-rounded point of view.

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