Why Asking For Help Is So Hard

Most often the people who need help the most are the ones who think they don’t.

There’s also a river in Africa like that called denial.

Managers, I’m talking to you.

Put your ego aside.

You don’t know what you don’t know.

Whether you’re afraid of rejection, feeling vulnerable, looking less independent, etc.

Stop it.

If you continue the path of traveling alone it will lead directly to the land of victimhood (you don’t want to visit, let alone live there).

Remind yourself that asking for help in areas you lack skills in is not a sign of weakness, but one of courage.

Trying to protect your pride by thinking you know it all isn’t fooling anyone (including yourself).

I’ve talked about it before, companies are not responsible for your professional growth as a leader.

You are.

The sooner you grasp that concept, the quicker you can get to work.

Here are some practical tips by David Burkus.

In addition, here are the 3 R’s to help you:

1. Reframe.

Turn that frown upside down - it’s time to flip the paradigm.

Instead of thinking you’re “good” where you are.

Be hungry to get better.

Access your inner student and be curious about what you don’t know.

2. Reach Out.

People are not mind readers.

If you need help, ask for it.

A common side effect of complacency is isolation.

Find that one person whom you respect and ask them to teach you.

It’s much easier to give than receive in most instances, so imagine how much that person you’re thinking of approaching actually wants to help you.

All you need to do is ask.

3. Request.

Let’s go back to the “company is not responsible” for your growth statement.

Although that is true, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t request more training as a leader.

If there’s one dynamic that is always changing at work it is people.

No comprehensive training in the world will prepare you for all life will throw at you.

But since managing people is one of the most challenging roles you can have, the training needs to match it.

Simply put, you don’t get what you don’t ask for.

So ask (like in sales the worst they can say is no).

Even though my newsletter is geared towards managers, the lessons are applicable for anyone who wants to develop as a leader.

Managing is hard.

You need help.

I’m happy to help. All you need to do is reply to this email (that’s a 4th R for free!)

God Bless,

Scott