Why Potent Leaders Recognise Asking for Help is Crucial for Business and Leadership Growth

In the dynamic world of business, where complexity and unpredictability are constants, the ability to ask for help is a hallmark of effective leadership. No single leader possesses all of the answers but the most conscious leaders recognise the value of collaborating with talent whose skills, experience, and perspectives add to the mission, goals and outcomes of business and that seeking their assistance is a strength and a strategic move that fosters growth and success.?

Seeking help is imperative for business and leadership, and doing so productively marks the difference between a leader with impact and efficacy and one without. Some of the most iconic entrepreneurs of the last century have been effective help seekers and their willingness to do so has not only transformed whole industries but revolutionised life as we know it today.?

The Power of Help-Seeking in Leadership

Leaders who ask for help demonstrate humility, self-awareness, and a commitment to the success of their organisation. By acknowledging that they alone do not possess all the answers, these leaders open the door to diverse perspectives and expertise that can lead to innovative solutions and informed decision-making. This approach not only addresses immediate business challenges but also cultivates a culture of collaboration and continuous learning within the organisation. This helps organisations to anticipate opportunities, challenges and risks, and to retain talent beyond competitors that fail to engage their people in shared ownership of company solutions.

Productive Help-Seeking Behaviours

Not all help-seeking is productive. So how do we as leaders ensure the help we seek yields the intended benefits?

Identifying the Right Sources of Help:

Effective leaders carefully identify who to approach for help based on the specific challenge at hand. This might involve reaching out to team members with specialised knowledge, external consultants, or peers in other industries. By targeting the right sources, leaders ensure that the help they receive is relevant and actionable.

Asking Open-Ended Questions:

Leaders who ask open-ended questions invite a broader range of insights and ideas. Instead of asking, "What should we do?" they might ask, "What are the potential ways we could approach this issue?" This type of questioning encourages creativity and critical thinking.

Creating a Safe Environment for Feedback:

Leaders who seek help also cultivate an environment where others feel safe to provide honest feedback and suggestions. This includes being open to critique and showing appreciation for the contributions of others, regardless of their position within the organisation.

Integrating Diverse Perspectives:

Effective help-seeking involves synthesising diverse viewpoints to arrive at the best, often blended solution. This can mean combining ideas from different departments, incorporating insights from external experts, or balancing short-term needs with long-term strategies.

Applying What Is Learned:

Leaders must act on the advice and insights they receive. This involves implementing suggested strategies, testing new ideas, and making adjustments as needed. The willingness to adapt and evolve based on external input is crucial for sustained success.

Benefits of Help-Seeking in Leadership

There are many benefits from seeking help as a Leader and few downsides, so long as the help seeking is not compromising timely and effective decision-making, clear leadership, competitive advantage or confidential commercial arrangements. Here are five benefits that ultimately provide businesses with greater competitive advantage.

Enhanced Decision-Making:

By seeking help, leaders gain access to a wider pool of knowledge and experience, leading to more informed and effective decision-making. This reduces the risk of oversight and increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Fostering Innovation:

Diverse perspectives often lead to innovative solutions that might not have been considered in isolation. By encouraging input from various sources, leaders can drive creativity and stay ahead of the competition.

Building Stronger Teams:

When leaders ask for help, they empower their teams and demonstrate trust in their abilities. This fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration, leading to higher morale and increased productivity.

Accelerating Growth:

Seeking help can accelerate business growth by leveraging the expertise and experience of others. This might involve scaling operations, entering new markets, or developing new products and services with the guidance of those who have successfully navigated similar challenges.

Developing Leadership Skills:

Help-seeking is a key component of leadership development. It encourages self-reflection, continuous learning, and adaptability—qualities that are essential for leading in a rapidly changing business environment.

Examples of Effective Help Seeking by Well-Known Leaders in Action?

Henry Ford:

Henry Ford, the pioneering automobile manufacturer, is a classic example of a leader who sought help to achieve success. Ford’s decision to hire experts like Frederick Winslow Taylor, a pioneer in scientific management and time and motion studies, allowed him to optimise production processes and implement the assembly line. This revolutionalised manufacturing and made the Model T affordable for the masses.

Richard Branson:

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, is known for his collaborative approach to leadership. Branson has often credited his success to surrounding himself with talented individuals who complement his strengths and compensate for his weaknesses. For example, when launching Virgin Atlantic, Branson sought help from aviation experts to navigate the complex airline industry, which contributed to the airline’s success. But it was his own innovative approach to business that challenged the conventional way of doing things; something he continues to do today through his business and philanthropic endeavours.

Elon Musk:

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is another leader who has benefited from seeking help from others. Despite his reputation as a visionary, Musk regularly consults experts in fields ranging from rocket science to artificial intelligence. For instance, Musk’s collaboration with engineers and designers helped Tesla overcome numerous technical challenges, ultimately leading to the creation of groundbreaking electric vehicles.

Steve Jobs:

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was known for his relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite his strong personality, Jobs was not afraid to seek help from industry experts. When developing the first iPhone, Jobs sought advice from glass manufacturer Corning, which resulted in the creation of the Gorilla Glass that revolutionised smartphone screens.

Asking for help is one of the most potent leadership tools available to us because it fosters growth, innovation, and success. Leaders who recognise the value of external input are better equipped to navigate complex challenges, make informed decisions, and drive their organisations forward. The examples given demonstrate that even the most successful entrepreneurs have relied on the expertise and perspectives of others to achieve their goals. By adopting productive help-seeking behaviours, leaders can cultivate a culture of collaboration, enhance their decision-making, and accelerate both personal and organisational growth for impact and innovation.