PMO Strategies

287: The Power of Asking for Help: Why Even Top Leaders Don’t Go It Alone


Listen Later

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills

In the late 1990s, Apple was struggling. Co-founder Steve Jobs returned to the company, recognizing that he couldn’t rescue Apple on his own. So, he did what all smart leaders do—he asked for help. Jobs persuaded Tim Cook to join Apple, and the rest is history. Cook’s operational expertise transformed Apple, streamlining its supply chain and ultimately paving the way for the iconic products we know today.
 
This story highlights a key point: even visionary leaders like Jobs need help to succeed.
 
In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, I sit down with executive coach and storyteller Deepak Daniel to discuss why asking for help is not a weakness, but a superpower that leaders can use to unlock their full potential.
 
The Courage to Ask for Help
One of the most challenging hurdles leaders face is overcoming the fear of asking for help. Many leaders, particularly those in high-stakes roles, often feel the pressure to know everything. This is especially true when their reputation and success seem to depend on always having the answers. But as Deepak shares in this episode, that mindset can hinder your success.
 
Leaders who ask for help when needed, collaborate with others, and seek guidance build stronger teams, achieve bigger results, and gain respect. In fact, failing to ask for help can lead to burnout, missed opportunities, and, worse, project failure.
 
Why Don’t Leaders Ask for Help?
Deepak and I dive into the reasons why leaders—whether they’re in the boardroom or on the sports field—hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s fear of appearing incompetent, imposter syndrome, or overconfidence, these mental blocks can severely limit a leader’s ability to succeed.
 
How Asking for Help Makes You a Better Leader
During our discussion, Deepak shares powerful strategies to shift your mindset around help-seeking. Leaders who are humble enough to acknowledge when they need assistance are the ones who lead with resilience, adaptability, and strength. By embracing this vulnerability, you open up a world of possibilities, including better problem-solving and stronger team dynamics.
 
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
💡 Strategic Insights: Even top executives don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. Learn how asking for help can unlock the door to better business outcomes.
 
🎓 Expert Advice: Practical ways to navigate imposter syndrome, overcome the fear of asking for help, and leverage the power of collaboration.
 
🛠️ Actionable Tips: Step-by-step strategies to build trusted relationships, ask for help effectively, and track your progress toward becoming a more effective leader.
 
As Deepak wisely points out, “The power of asking for help is about building trust and relationships—it’s a team game, and you cannot win alone.”
 
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to make a bigger IMPACT, it’s time to stop going it alone. Tune into this week’s episode and learn how to start asking for help, lead more effectively, and drive the outcomes that matter most.
 
For more insights on elevating your leadership, grab your copy of The IMPACT Engine and become part of the IMPACT Insider community, where you’ll gain access to exclusive tools and resources to help you lead with confidence.
 
🎧 Ready to learn more? Listen to the full episode by pressing play above.
 

Connect with Deepak Daniel

Connect on LinkedIn
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights! 

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

 

 

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES

TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN

PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

 

 

 

 

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

PMO StrategiesBy Laura Barnard, Chief IMPACT Driver

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

41 ratings


More shows like PMO Strategies

View all
The McKinsey Podcast by McKinsey & Company

The McKinsey Podcast

395 Listeners

The Look & Sound of Leadership by Essential Communications - Tom Henschel

The Look & Sound of Leadership

1,165 Listeners

HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review

HBR IdeaCast

1,837 Listeners

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

8,783 Listeners

Projectified by Project Management Institute

Projectified

212 Listeners

Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence & Leadership Communication Style by Laura Camacho

Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence & Leadership Communication Style

94 Listeners

Inside the Strategy Room by McKinsey & Company

Inside the Strategy Room

169 Listeners

Agile Ideas by Fatimah Abbouchi

Agile Ideas

0 Listeners

Real Estate News: Real Estate Investing Podcast by Kathy Fettke / RealWealth

Real Estate News: Real Estate Investing Podcast

557 Listeners

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques by Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

800 Listeners

Coaching Real Leaders by Harvard Business Review / Muriel Wilkins

Coaching Real Leaders

680 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

29,176 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,870 Listeners

The AI Daily Brief: Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis by Nathaniel Whittemore

The AI Daily Brief: Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis

596 Listeners

HBR On Leadership by Harvard Business Review

HBR On Leadership

168 Listeners