ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK

University of Michigan Professor and co-founder, with Adam Grant, of Give and Take Inc, shows us how to master one of life's most critical skills: the ability to ask for help.

Often, there is a simple and seemingly obvious act standing between us and success: asking for the help and resources we need to succeed. Imagine you're on a deadline for a big project, and feeling overworked and overwhelmed. Or you're looking for a job, but can't seem to get your foot in the door. Or you're stuck on a challenge, and need a creative jolt. Or you're dying to score tickets to a sold out concert, a reservation at the hot new restaurant, or a referral to an expert - and all your leads have gone cold.

What do these seemingly random problems all have in common? They can all be solved simply by reaching out - to a colleague, friend, or your wider network - and making an ask.

A bestselling book by Baker's business partner, Adam Grant explains why being a giver is the road to long-run success. But what about the benefits of making requests? The research shows that asking for help makes us better and less frustrated at our jobs. It helps us find new job opportunities and new talent. It unlocks new ideas and solutions, and enhances team performance. And it helps us get the things we want outside the workplace as well.

So why do we rarely give ourselves permission to ask? Sometimes we fear being turned down, or being viewed as selfish or incompetent. Other times, we just don't know who or how to ask. But the research shows that asking - and getting - what we need is much easier than people tend to think. Here, Baker shares a set of strategies - used at companies like Google, Deloitte, and Goldman Sachs - that individuals, teams, and leaders can use to make asking for help a personal and organizational habit.

Wayne Baker is a Professor of Management and Organizations at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is a frequent guest speaker at conferences, and corporations, as well as a management consultant, advisor and board member of Give and Take Inc. Baker has published numerous scholarly articles in venues such as HBR, Chief Executive Magazine, and Sloan.