Are you selfish?

​Colleagues,
 
Last week a friend called and needed help. I was glad to do it. It is funny how helping others makes me feel better about myself.
 
After rendering aid, we talked for a few minutes and my friend shared a radical idea. The idea was that asking for help was a more powerful form of service than providing help was. What!?
 
She explained that when we provide help, we are placed in a position of power over the person we are helping. We are in control and we reap the benefits of helping because we feel good about our actions.
 
In contrast, the person asking for help has placed themselves in a position of vulnerability, in which they become dependent on the helper.
 
She concluded that intentionally asking for help was a way to be of service to others. I strongly encourage you to just sit with that thought for 30 seconds.
 
Reflecting…
 
This has two implications for leaders.
 
First, we as leaders need to be vulnerable and to ask for help when we need it. Asking for help when it is needed is a sign of courage, not of weakness.
 
Second, really good leaders are strategic in asking for help. They look for ways to help grow others’ leadership abilities by providing opportunities for them to lead. This is not delegating. A strong leader asks for help with something they are confident that the other person can help with and which will benefit that person’s leadership.
 
Do you have the courage to be vulnerable? Can you ask for help? Can you lead by humbling yourself?
 
Do good and be well,
 
Frederick