I had a business problem. I was not alone - many of my peers had the same business problem. I believe that there is a solution to every problem. Despite our efforts, collaboration and attention on this problem, we had not been able to develop a satisfactory solution. This was quite frustrating. However, as business leaders – all we could do was press on in our attempts to solve.
I was given some advise – some wise council. Why don't you ask for help? My initial thoughts were: executives don't ask for help - executives solve their own problems. Asking for help is a sign of weakness. This is why men don't ask for directions – it shows helplessness – vulnerability. However, the more that I thought about it, the more I realized that this was just pride – I didn't want to look stupid, inadequate. The truth is that we all have weaknesses – we all need help from time to time. Ignoring that is just arrogance.
So, I did the unthinkable – for an executive – I called my boss and asked for help, admitting that I could not solve this business problem on my own.
I would love to report to you that everything worked out – that my boss appreciated my reaching out for help – that the problem was solved and everyone lived happily ever after. I can't.
Regardless of the outcome of my experience, I realized that humility in leadership is essential. Leaning on the team for help in times of need is critical. The absence of positive results from this is does not indicate that it was a bad idea, but rather indicative of weaknesses in the team in general.
In fact, great leaders can identify and react to those who need help. Strong leadership includes the ability to know when to step in and offer assistance. Consequently, the need to reach out for help is generally non-existent in teams led by great leaders.
Have you ever asked for help? What was your experience?
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