I speak often on the speed of change, and the challenges that come with it. And if my recent posts are any indication, I have a belief that responding to the speed of change, and putting ourselves in a position to be flexible, is one of the most important ways we can be successful.

Many clients of mine are thrust into challenging environments where success is a tall mountain to climb. Executives have only one or two quarters to make a difference, companies turn over teams in an effort to be more agile and flexible, and the slightest diversion from a laid out plan can lead to fundamental changes in direction for an entire firm. 

Long story, put shortly: Now, more than ever, we need help. Recognize it, admit it, and get over it. 

Everyone needs help, and none of us like asking for it. And help is wide-ranging - it could encompass serious mental health issues, or it could be as silly as the best way to reheat pizza (oven, by the way). Regardless of the level of help we need, not asking for it impacts our ability to be ourselves, to be successful and to get to where we need to go.

We are irrational in our fear of help. We have a fear of being viewed as a failure, or of being socially rejected, when in reality the most successful executives that I work with are the ones who have tackled how to ask for help with finesse. It’s a skill - one that is rarely, if ever, on a person’s list of “things upon which to improve.” 

But in the right context, and done the right way, properly asking for help will lead to more opportunities and better outcomes.

Like any other skill, it takes practice. We have to get used to asking for help. On the podcast this week, I cover psychological safety, one of the bigger buzzwords in the corporate circles these days. Research is coming in and shows that allowing individuals to ask questions, share feelings, embrace vulnerability, and ask for help is what separates the successful teams from others. 

People like helping others - it gives us a high. When other people have the opportunity to help you, it solidifies social bonds and actually improves relationships. To properly ask for help we need to embrace the need for advice, and welcome it with open arms.  

Test it out. I’m sure that if you sat for a minute and thought about something that you haven’t been making progress on, you can find an area where you need help. Help could be an explanation or a push in the right direction. See how it feels to build on your relationships and continue to make progress.

With that - have a great week!