If you think you can ask your smiling colleagues any work related questions at work, think again. If you assume everybody is willing to help because our ultimate goal is to get the job done, grow up or wake up, my dear friends. If you truly believe in the slogan of “teamwork,” try that in kindergarten.

The downright truth that has been repeatedly revealed itself to me is this — you are asking for trouble way more than for help.

First of all, you give people the opportunity to interpret your question as your being incapable of handling your own job independently,or as being incompetent on the job, or as lacking of the necessary skill to complete your task alone. Such a nightmare! You want to avoid this booby trap as best as you can.

Secondly, not everybody is as helpful as you naively assumed when helping others does not pay. Very often, people try to prove how competent they are on the job. Helping others only takes away their time to prove how good they are. Even worse, helping you accomplish your task might dwarf the accomplishment of the helper. After all, who wants to be the ladder for others to climb?

Thirdly, you expose yourself to all kinds of criticism, innuendos, and unfriendly gossips when your question reveal your weakness to some people with ulterior motives. Don’t be this silly. Don’t throw yourself into the mouth of a lion.

Benefit, you can get answer quickly, not without cost, though.

What is wrong with me? Nothing but the reflection of my two decades of work experience in the States.