How would you rate yourself on asking for help?
I’m not talking about being a slacker and asking others to do your job. Instead, this is about chipping away at your “I can do it all” mentality and gaining benefits from someone who is willing or even eager to help you.
One of my friends was trying to locate a particular type of restaurant when he was out of town on business. I suggested that he ask the hotel concierge for some help. He responded, “You know that I hate to ask for directions!”
Rugged individualism is wonderful, but it might hold you back when you can get some great information from someone who is more knowledgeable about something than you are.
Whether it’s brainstorming an opinion with a colleague on a work-related issue or asking a friend a personal question, you undoubtedly will end up more informed and make better decisions than if you just take a stab in the dark.
Why is it so hard to do this?
Some people think it’s a weakness to ask for help. Others think that it makes them appear lazy. And some feel that asking for help might give the appearance that they are ignorant.
These reasons are ego-driven, and frankly, will get in the way of you making progress.
In the meantime, my friend did solicit the concierge’s help about the restaurant. The concierge was delighted to make the reservations, and even arranged for transportation and offered a gift certificate. The result was great for all involved.
This blog was reprinted with permission from Lisa. To learn more about Lisa and her work, visit pharosalliance.com.
Photo by RDNE Stock project via Pexels.
Competency