Phrase library / Asking for help & admitting gaps

What to say at work: asking for help & admitting gaps

Phrases for saying you don't know, asking busy people for time, and getting unstuck without apologizing.

“I don't know.”

“Good question. I'll find out and get back to you by 3.”

You turn a gap into a promise with a deadline, and that builds trust.

“Sorry to bother you, I know you're super busy…”

“Could I get your take on something? It'll take five minutes.”

It respects their time without apologizing for asking.

“I'm totally lost.”

“I understand the goal. Where I'm stuck is the budget step.”

Pinpointing the gap shows effort and makes help faster to give.

“I've never done this before, so…”

“This is new for me. I'll be up to speed by Friday.”

Honest about the gap, confident about closing it.

“Mm-hmm, yeah, totally.”

when you don't know the acronym

“Before we go on, what does ARR stand for here?”

Asking early costs ten seconds. Faking it can cost weeks.

“Can you help me with this?”

“I've tried restarting it and checking the logs. What would you try next?”

Showing what you've tried saves their time and proves effort.

“I'm just not good with spreadsheets.”

“I want to get stronger at spreadsheets. Is there a course you'd recommend?”

It turns a weakness into a growth plan.

“I guess I'll figure it out somehow.”

“To finish on time, I need access to the sales data. Who can grant that?”

Naming exactly what you need unblocks you faster than struggling quietly.

“Okay, got it!”

“Let me play that back: a one-page summary for leadership, by Friday. Right?”

Repeating the ask catches misunderstandings before they cost time.

“Sorry, I'm going to be late on this. I'm the worst.”

“I need two more days to do this well. Can I send it Wednesday instead?”

A specific new date is easier to approve than an apology.

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