#9 Giving and Receiving Help

I admit publicly …I am not an expert at everything! There, I said it. For me it was easy. This means that I can ask others for help without feeling that it is diminishing me in some way.?

How about you, as a prospective or new leader can you ask for help in an appropriate way, without feeling somehow inferior or guilty???????

These two quotes put it in perspective for me:

"As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others" - Audrey Hepburn

“All of us, at certain moments of our lives, need to take advice and to receive help from other people” Alexis Carrel (1873-1944), a French surgeon and biologist.

You can be more successful when you team with others and recognise that they have skills, insight, knowledge and more that can help you be more productive.?

The great thing is as long as you respect their time, and ask in the right way, they will love helping!? Asking someone for help is a boost for their self-esteem, recognises their wisdom, brings them into your network and reinforces their importance in your eyes. If you are asking another leader you are usually doing so for the right reasons …to meet or exceed yours and your team’s commitments.

Here are some things to keep in mind to do this well:

• Be respectful of others
• Walk the talk yourself by being a willing helper. Offer support, become a mentor, be approachable, share your knowledge?
• Prepare well so you know what you want
• Ask clearly. Describe what you want and when in a simple and organised way
• Seek to learn from the help …towards self-sufficiency. Don't just plan to ask again next time and the time after that
• Ask also for help with challenging activities that will enable the other person grow …not just ‘chores’
• Recognise and show appreciation for the help
• Include those helpers in responding to any kudos you receive for results
• Encourage the safety of this approach within your team

There is a wealth of knowledge around you. Tap into it. Remember also to be a contributor to that wisdom pool. If you work together with others in a way that is respectful of them including their time, wisdom and value then you can really multiply your effectiveness.

What currently holds you back from asking for help?

This post is one of a series to help prospective leaders or those still settling in.

If you would like to improve your comfort and approach when asking for help please do reach out for support.

I am Brett and I love supporting high performing specialists transitioning and growing into leadership and also leaders looking to refocus and regain their sense of balance in their role. I use a mix of coaching and mentoring.