Are you afraid to ask for help?
Do you need help but you are reluctant to ask? Asking for help can be one of the most difficult things to do, especially on the job, but it can save you a lot time, energy and headaches. It takes courage to be vulnerable. It does not make you weak or inadequate. However, it does show that you are human. It’s okay to admit that you do not have all the answers. No one is all knowing. Swallow your pride! Like Nike says “Just Do It!” Ask for help if you need it.
Here are the dangers of not asking for help:
#1 You Jeopardize Your Reputation
When you don’t ask for help, you are in jeopardy of making a reputation ruining mistake. Trust me, others often know when you are struggling and would love to help if only you would ask.
By not asking for help, you lead colleagues to believe you don’t want help. By not asking for help you assume all the responsibility and when outcomes are not as expected, you ultimately assume all the blame. Don’t be that person! The one who colleagues believe don’t know what they are doing and don’t have any idea what questions to ask.
More importantly, as counselors and educators, we must model for our students and colleagues that asking for help is okay. It is not a sign of weakness or inadequacy. It takes a lot of insight and strength to know what you need and courage to ask for it.
#2 You Isolate Yourself
Your lack of communication and collaboration with your colleagues may cause them to assume you have everything under control and don’t need assistance or help. This makes it unlikely that your peers will reach out to you for guidance and support. They probably won’t jump to work with you on committees or projects either.
#3 You Lose Trust
When colleagues and supervisors worry about your self-awareness, work ethic and have concerns about your willingness to collaborate with others, they lose trust in you. This may lead to being questioned going forward, especially if you have problems finishing tasks and meeting deadlines.
#4 You Stunt Future Growth Opportunities
When you neglect to seek out colleagues advice, ideas and collaborative decision making, you miss out on the opportunity to learn from others who may be more experienced, more educated, more skilled and more knowledgeable than you.
Think about the areas you could use some help and ask someone who has the right knowledge, skills, resources, or connections. You will increase your chances of learning and moving forward. We are bigger, better, and stronger together.
I hope that you found this information helpful. Click the buttons below for additional information and self-care tips, tools and strategies that may be helpful to you as well.
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Peace & Blessings,
Dr. Gwen
