Squiggly Careers How to ask for help at work (without feeling awkward)
Jan 29, 2026
Practical steps for asking for help at work without the awkwardness. Tips for calming anxiety and reframing requests. A simple Post-It-sized system to map what you need, the type of help, and who can provide it. Clear phrasing techniques to make asks actionable and easy to respond to.
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Start By Listing What You Need
- Do spend five minutes listing everything you need help with over the next 6–12 months to neutralize emotion.
- Helen Tupper says neutralizing the ask reduces panic and makes requests clearer and easier to act on.
Helen’s Post-It Example Of Needs
- Helen Tupper lists her own help needs: growing new markets, building products, integrating technology, and a PhD.
- She uses her personal Post-it-note example to demonstrate the framework in action.
Classify The Kind Of Help You Need
- Distinguish three kinds of help: support, solutions, or a sounding board to make asks precise.
- Helen Tupper explains that matching type of help to need makes it easier for others to respond effectively.
