The one thing that most business leaders miss nowadays is the importance of asking for help.
No, it doesn’t mean that you are weak and not capable of doing what you are doing. Only the strongest people can admit when they need help.
People usually think that only they can do whatever it is that they have to do. And, if somebody helps you it somehow pressures you to help that person in return.
When you think about it, there was never really just one person who did a project or constructed a house by themselves. You need a team, people that help and support you.
Even people like Bill Gates and Eric Schmidt ask help from their coaches, someone that can objectively look in and see what’s wrong, or what might need to be focused on.
So how do you ask for help? Here are some simple tips on what to do.
1. Be Specific on What You Need Help With
How can people help you if you yourself don’t know what you need help with?
You can’t just say, “I need help.”
You have to say what you need help with, when, where, how. That way, you can be sure that it will be done, and that the right person for the job can help you out.
2. Make it Easy for Them to Help You
Being specific with what you need help on makes it easier for people to help you.
Provide them with whatever is necessary so they can do what you’re asking them to help with. Make sure they know all the important details, and if you don’t know how to do it, don’t pretend that you do.
3. Give Them Enough Time
For some reason, this is a problem with a lot us.
When we ask a person for help, we usually think that they can (or should) do it immediately. We usually think that they have nothing else to do, other than help us when we ask.
We need to be considerate and give them enough time.
Manage your time well so when you ask them for help, it’s not because your time is limited or the deadline is almost up and you need them to work faster.
Remember, it’s you who’s asking for help… so be nice. Don’t ask for what’s impossible.
4. Be Thankful
This is the most important when it comes to asking for help.
You have to be thankful regardless if they helped you in a big or small way. You should appreciate everything they’ve done for you.
Even if it wasn’t a big deal to anyone else, they helped you with something you couldn’t do on your own, so be sure to show your appreciation.
One thing that you need to keep in mind when asking for help is, as the saying goes, to help them, help you.
You didn’t give them the task so that you have nothing to do. You gave it to them so you’ll have time to do other things that needs your attention, or so you can learn how to do something you didn’t know how to do before.
Remember, always ask for help if you need it.
The biggest companies have the largest teams, because they know that everyone needs help to achieve their goals.
