How Asking Help Can. Breaking Down Barriers: The Powerful Art of Asking for HelpIn today’s fast-paced work environment, many of us are eager to prove our abilities by going it alone.
ng it alone. However, this mindset can sometimes hinder our progress and create unnecessary obstacles. The truth is, asking for help can be a game-changer in our careers. In fact, it was a turning point for me, and it could be for you too.
In 2003, I took a year off work to finish my Master’s degree and determine my next career move. I thought this would provide me with clarity on what I wanted to do next, and I would be able to identify the next step in my career. However, things didn’t quite go as planned.
While I learned a lot, I found myself still unsure of where to go next. The jobs I interviewed for didn’t seem to have long-term potential, and I wasn’t excited about the booming industry in our area at the time: mortgage companies. Discouraged after several months of interviewing, I received some valuable advice that changed my perspective.
Someone pointed out to me that people likely wanted to help in my journey but weren’t sure how. They suggested that I might want to teach people how they could help. I took their advice to heart and drafted an email to my closest friends and acquaintances, outlining my ideal job and asking them to keep an eye out for opportunities that might align with it.
Two weeks later, a friend named Kenny Phillips emailed me to say that he was taking a Dale Carnegie course at Northrop Grumman and thought I should consider reaching out to them. He offered to make an introduction to his instructor on my behalf.
This was almost ten years ago, and in retrospect, drafting that email was one of the smartest moves I ever made. I’ve had a fantastic career with Dale Carnegie since then and feel grateful to be a part of their 100+ year legacy.
I’m not alone in being hesitant to ask for help. Many people I’ve worked with have shared the same struggles. We often think that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but the reality is that it takes courage to ask for assistance and opens us up to new opportunities.
Where are you hitting a wall right now? Could engaging others by asking for help bring you different results? If so, what’s the best way to ask for help?
When we’re ready to ask, we often find that others are more than willing to support our success. So, take it from my experience: don’t be afraid to ask for help. You never know where it might lead.
Many of us struggle with the idea of asking for help, but it’s essential to remember that it’s a natural part of growth and development. By acknowledging our limitations and seeking assistance when needed, we open ourselves up to new perspectives, skills, and relationships.
So, the next time you find yourself facing a challenge or feeling stuck, take a step back and reflect on whether asking for help could be the key to unlocking your potential.
In doing so, you may discover a more efficient and effective way of achieving your goals and finding the support you need along the way.
