Leaders often hesitate to ask for help because they worry about being intrusive, appearing needy, or not appearing competent. The truth is that it's innately satisfying to assist others, and most people both want and like to help. The next time you have a question, feel somewhat unsure about something, or simply want to make a connection with someone, ask them for the favor of their help. There are many things you can request that your staff will likely respond very well to. These can include such things as:
- Request that they provide input about something you're working on,
- Ask some colleagues to review something you're writing to gauge the tone,
- Ask for an opinion about something you are considering doing,
- Request that some colleauges provide a testimonial of your work,
- Simply request some comments about how a current initiative is going
- ...and the list goes on....
Don't be shy about it. Asking for help and/or favors can be a powerful way to get people to like you better and see you in a better light, in part, because they become invested in your success.
Adapted from: "The Fear That's Holding Back Your Business" by Dorie Clark.
I think that it is crucial for leaders to ask for help or ask questions because it allows staff to feel like their input is valued and part of a team. Leaders need to rememeber that they can't know it all or be expected to do it all. So, reaching out and asking for input, comments, information, etc. is part of our own personal and professional growth which is so important in being an effective leader.
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