Need Help? Key Components for Getting It

Most of us are surrounded by a large range of responsibilities.

Rather than complain, we can be grateful that we have the ability to work and fulfill those responsibilities.

But when the responsibilities become too onerous, we need to reach out for help. For some people, that is not easy to do. As a result of an unhealthy pride or a belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness, they resist asking.

But truly strong, wise people are humble enough to recognize those times when they need to ask for help. . .and they ask.

How about you?

When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble. (Proverbs 11:2)

There is a limit to what any of us can do - a fact that we just need to accept with humility. So, yes, asking for the help of others may take a measure of humility and courage.

But imagine how lonely and boring life would be if we were able to do everything without needing the help of anyone. When someone helps you and you help someone else, a community of care and mutual respect develops. And we are all stronger together.
 
As the ancient wisdom says:
...if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:11-12)

By giving others an opportunity to help you, you benefit from their knowledge, wisdom and experience.

And you are still a strong, invaluable person -- even when you seek the assistance of others! So refrain from beating yourself up over having to ask for an extra hand – or head – to solve a problem. Needing help does not diminish who you are as a leader and the abilities you have.

In fact, “if leadership has a secret sauce, it may well be humility. A humble boss understands that there are things he doesn't know.”
 

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Make wise use of your time by asking for help when you need it. Don’t try to do everything all by yourself. You are part of a greater community with gifted people in a variety of areas.

Remember: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7)
 

Questions for Self-Reflection:

1. Why should I ask for help?
2. Who should I be listening to?
3. How does asking for help benefit me?
4. What tasks on my list would go smoother if I asked for help?

References
Proverbs 11:2
Ecclesiastes 4:11-12
Davos Man and his defects:The global-leadership industry needs re-engineering
Matthew 7:7
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay