Julie Bowditch is executive director of nonprofit The CASA Project Worcester County.
Updated: April 18, 2022
Advice
4 Things I know about ... Asking for help
By Julie Bowditch
The hardest thing for some people to say is “I don’t know.”
It can also be one of the most refreshing things to hear. No one has experience or training in every area, and there’s no reward for pretending we do. The instinct to have an answer for everything is not aligned with the reality of being human. Putting your ego aside and acting with transparency is one of the most effective ways to build trust and respect among your team and constituents. So, how can you lead with confidence while embracing the fact that you don’t and won’t know it all?
4) Be honest with yourself. When a problem or question arises, ask yourself if you’re the ideal person to address it. Reflect on your strengths in the area in question and whether or not you are equipped to manage it single-handedly. Don’t try to fool yourself into thinking you can tackle it alone if you haven’t done it before, studied, and excelled in it, or otherwise possess the knowledge or skillset required. Self-awareness is an exercise that can significantly and positively impact your outcomes.
3) Intentionally surround yourself with people who are experts at things you may not be. The strongest groups are the most diverse in experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, ages, and interests. This is because, collectively, they are best positioned to address a wide variety of topics and situations. They are constantly teaching and showing one another something new. Cultivate your circle by befriending, hiring, and connecting with folks who are an authority on different subjects. Having access to a cohort of individuals who naturally balance your own areas of excellence is invaluable.
2) Next, say it with me: “I don’t know, but I think you might. Can you advise me?” Asking for help can manifest in many ways, including hiring a new employee or consultant, strategically assigning a project, or just picking up the phone and having a conversation. Tap into that strong network you’ve built and maximize their collective power. Be humble enough to accept input and grateful to receive it. The feedback you get when you open yourself up to being helped creates a natural learning opportunity. Society has created a misconception linking seeking assistance with weakness. Ironically, it generally has the converse effect. Together, we can choose to dismantle that perception and will all be stronger, wiser, and more productive for it.
1) There is no shame in asking for help when it’s needed, but there is unnecessary risk when you refuse to. One of the best side effects of being willing to receive support is you open yourself up to being a reliable resource in return. This cyclical exchange of expert input can strengthen all of our processes and creates an environment of partnerships and collaboration. Commit to not knowing it all, and embrace the opportunities that will bring.
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