Continued from page 1
In
past week, how have you asked for support from others? How clear was your request?
In recent research I conducted into behaviours that leaders demonstrate when they successfully transition into new organizations, “asking for help” made it onto list of “Top 10 Success Factors” for critical first 90 days with a new employer.
In this era of hyper-awareness regarding business ethics, “asking for help” has become associated with high-integrity. People who are able to conduct an honest self-assessment and seek support in areas where they lack expertise or need to draw on skills that don’t come naturally to them are seen as both humble and strong at same time.
As an sole practitioner entrepreneur for past 10 years, I have long prided myself on independence and self-sufficiency. I now recognize that relying purely on my own perspective and expertise can be quite limiting. In stepping up to ask for help more often, coupled with my commitment to work collaboratively, my circle expands exponentially through each connection created. The impact on my business has been nothing short of transformational.
So how can you go about asking for help?
When I broke-down formula that works for me, I came up with following steps:
1.Recognize that you can’t know or be able to do absolutely everything, all time. 2.Trust that in asking for help, you are honouring other person. 3.Decide to “‘just do it”. The more you agonize, less likely you are to make request. 4.Be specific. Make it easy for other person to provide help. 5.Express your gratitude. Let other person know specifically how their support helped you. 6.Offer your sincere support in future… not to “even score”, do it because it genuinely means a lot to you to be able to help.
What important goal are you stuck on right now? How could “asking for help” get you jump-started?
I’m interested in hearing your stories about impact of “asking for help” for you. Send me an email with your feedback or questions to sue@development-by-design.com
President of Development by Design, a Business & Leadership Coaching and Human Resources Consulting firm. Her Coaching clients are high potential leaders and profitable business owners who are redefining the terms of their success and taking their impact to a new level. One of the niches of her practice is supporting new leaders and senior professionals in successfully transitioning into new organizations. http://www.development-by-design.com
