I was completely stuck when organising a big event in my old company. There was so much to do and I couldn’t see how I was going to get it all done.
My coach Edson (1) told me to look around me and asked me what I saw. I was on a group coaching call with people who were also my friends. It still wasn’t obvious so he had to spell it out. There are people here that can help you. All you have to do is ask. So I asked.
Over the years, many people have gone above and beyond helping me and I am truly grateful. I wouldn’t have been able to do many of the things without their support. I’ve also helped people too and I have been happy and enjoyed doing so.
It made me question why I was struggling to ask for help in the first place. I guess I didn’t see it as an option at first. At times I didn’t want to bother people, even wondering if it would be seen as a sign of weakness not being able to do it all myself.
I’ve since come to terms that people are adults, if they can and want to help, they will, otherwise they won’t. Rather than being a weakness, it’s actually a sign of strength being able to admit that you would like help. Together with help, you can go further.
Footnotes
1) Edson’s cool new website: https://www.leadbyexample.com/home/