Asking Advice Makes a Good Impression

Most people shy away from asking for advice when they cannot figure out how to finish a tricky task or assignment at work.

• Reasons range from not wanting to bother anyone, or not trusting them for the solution that might be provided.
• There is also a misconception that others will think less of the person asking for advice.
• Advice seekers have a false psychological fear that the person whom they ask will refuse and embarrass them. Research proved that this is deeply unfounded and we grossly underestimate how helpful and assistive people can be.

The fear of appearing incompetent or an incompetent person is misplaced, as research shows that the person who is asked for advice thinks good of the person asking.

Advice seekers appear smarter to the person whose ego is now stroke, making him provide valuable insights while being impressed by the seeker. Being asked for advice increases the level of perceived competency of the seeker in the eyes of the expert.