Ask for Help
— Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis
This post’s word of advice is simple, but powerful—ASK FOR HELP. Susan J. Ashford is the associate dean for leadership programming and the executive MBA program at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business in Ann Arbor. She reminds us, “Confident people ask for help all the time. They call it getting input.” But doesn’t that send the wrong message to followers… that their leader is unsure, insecure, or incompetent? On the contrary, Ashford argues, “people who don’t see anything shameful about asking for help tend NOT to create anxiety in others.”
It’s an Invitation to Your Team to Participate
When middle managers ask their team members for help, their request is often received as an invitation to participate in important leadership functions: planning, evaluation, problem-solving, and decision-making. That involvement creates instant ownership and engagement in team members — powerful incentives for enthusiastic participation and high performance!
Be a little VULNERABLE… It’s OK
Take note: don’t simply view this as a contrivance of motivation! Give yourself genuine permission to be human and not have all the answers. Then be wise enough to reach out for help. Get feedback from colleagues who know their stuff. Check in with your mentors. Go outside your organization to other professionals in your network who can offer information, wisdom, and perspective.
What If You’re the CEO???
Stephen J. Socolof is a founder and managing partner of New Venture Partners, a global venture capital firm. His advice to CEO’s is pretty straightforward: make it a practice to ask for help and advice from mentors and other experienced people, especially contacts outside the organization. He says, “A CEO should always have an active network like that, whether formal or informal.” He also advises CEO’s to regularly ask for help from their board. He explains, “Maintaining open communication during tough times takes courage, but boards really appreciate it. They want CEOs to get them involved and keep them informed. They definitely don’t want to hear about important things indirectly. That only raises their concerns about the CEO.” The key here is simple: Don’t try to be the Hero and have all the answers. The reality is that you aren’t and you don’t!
If you want more great ideas for better leadership and management, STAY TUNED TO THIS BLOG! Every post will add to your knowledge, wisdom, and skill. That will make you effective and valuable!
Until next time – yours for better leaders and better organizations,
Dr. Jim Dyke – “The Boss Doctor” – helping you to BE a better boss, and HAVE a better boss!
