subject: Why Asking for Help is Smart [print this page] Why Asking for Help is Smart Why Asking for Help is Smart
Atsome point all of us need to ask for some type ofhelp. Maybe we are unsure about a financial decision. Something involving our important relationship doesn't seem to be working as well as it once did. Maybe a relative has a health problem we don't know enough about. None of us comes with a complete set of knowledge on every subject. So, we seek help. We ask friends, experts in the field, even strangers on the Internet for some feedback.
Even knowing we could use some assistance doesn't mean itis easy for us. We love to give advice, we're not as anxious to receive it. I certainly needed help at severaltimes in my life, but was slow to ask. In thinking abou those times I have developed a list of some of the reasons. So you don't repeat mywasted time and efforthere are some thoughts on why you shouldn't hesitate to seek and accept help when you need it.
Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness. From time to time every one of us needs the advice or opinion of others. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, rather it is a sign of strength. Yousense a need and take an assertivestep fill it. An effective leader knows his strengths and where he is not and takesaction to shore up the areas that need reinforcement.
Asking for help allows you to access alarger pool of knowledge. There are people who know a whole lot about something you don't. Toseek out that advice when you could benefit from it is smart. After all, if you are asking for help shouldn't you check the best source available? If you look closely you will notice thatthe most successful people always surround themselves with people stronger than they are inareas in which they are weak.
Most people love to be asked for their help. Unless you are asking a complete stranger, someone you approach to give you a helping hand will be very willing to do so. If that person is qualified to give you solid advice both of you will benefit. Don't worry about others judging you because you asked for theirhelp. They are likely to think quite highly of you for turning to them.
Don't assume the person you need help from isn't willing to giveit. Most of us arehesitant to impose on a friend or someone who has experience solvingour particular problem. We may rationalize they are probably much too busy to spend time with our issue. If that's your thought, re-read the section above.
Accept offeredhelp or advice graciously. If you ask for help, it is not a good course of action totell that person why his or her suggestions won't work. Remember, you asked them. Accept what they have to say and then decide atlater timeif the answer will work for you. Even if a friend, co-worker, or spouse offers unsolicited advice accept the offer to help. That person may have noticed something you didn't or has fresh insight. Ultimately, you decide whether to act on the suggested fix.
Ask for input before you are overwhelmed, frustrated and angry. You won't be at your receptive best if whatever is bothering you has reached a critical stage. You will be looking for an immediate fix that may do nothing to solve the underlying issue. You won't have the patience to explain the situation fully so the other person can give you good advice. Ask for help as soon as you are aware you need it.
Finally,say "Thank You." People really do like to help other people. They also like to be acknowledged for that assistance. Someone went out of their way, probably invested some time in the problem, and gave you their best advice.Even if you don't plan on using the suggestions thank them.
Many of us do everything we can to avoid admitting we could use someone else'sassistance. We willknowingly make the situation worsebefore asking for help. I am living proof. At one point or another I have ignored every single item listed above.Ithink I'm a bit smarter in my old age.Now Irealize that asking for help is not an indication I'm weak, in fact just the opposite.
