Why please your colleagues instead of saying ‘please, help’?

This week I chose to write about a theme where I have been putting a lot of thought lately. The theme is working with your colleagues. During my career, I have been part of many research communities that are filled with people who are top researchers in what they do. Scientists in research institutes, universities and organizations are crème de la crème of the scientific community, possessing excellent skills in mathematics, analytics, data sciences or other areas in life sciences. It is fantastic to be surrounded by such talent!

Almost every day at work I have the chance to interact with these genius people. I get to reflect my scientific ideas, discuss difficult data and design complex and more complex experiments or models with experts who are skilled in slightly different areas from myself. It is very special and unique opportunity, and something to be very grateful for. However, scientific mind may not always be the most empathetic, friendly, approachable and lovable minds. So it may not always be easy to approach scientists, when in doubt.

I have been thinking about the role an individual has in such a community as a person, not as a scientist. What happens, when you (say as a young scientist) do not know the right answer immediately (or not at all)? What if I do not have experience in some analyses you are supposed to deliver on, or what to do, when you are given a subject by your supervisor, of which you have no previous experience about - and the deadline is tomorrow? There are only 24h in one day, and only two days in a weekend to catch up, and to meet the expectations.

I may be the only one seeing a potential challenge here, but I want to write about it, because I have felt it during my career not only once, but several times. It could be a personality trait, or it may have something to do with the fact I am a girl. Also, it may have something to do with the fact that in my family academics are not valued in the same way as some traditional professions. But what to do when you doubt your own skills, or when you feel like you have such complicated assignments that you do not even know whom to ask? 

To me the answer is obvious: turning to your colleagues. When you are working with complex theories and challenges, there may be people who know something you have not thought of, and who can support your ideas and your research. Luckily, I have had some of best colleagues one can imagine. They help even though they would not always have the time. And yes, that is a blessing - and yes, it is not a crime to ask for help! 

I wonder if we all have courage to ask for support. When you are a young scientist, it may sometimes feel like all problems should be solved by you alone. It may feel as a sign of weakness if you are not able to do that. And yes, I have felt the whole range of those feelings. What do I do? I try harder. I work day and night and vacation times, trying to make my analyses work. 

Wrapping up what I am trying to say here, is that maybe sometimes it is healthy to admit when there are times where it is OK to say: “I tried, but it does not work”. It may be OK not be a specialist in every topic, and it is OK to ask for help. With this, I challenge you, and myself, to do this more often.

Have a nice weekend!

(Source of the image: iStock)