This morning, my oldest daughter accompanied me to the supermarket, coming along as my “helper.” And, she served admirably in that capacity, helping me pick out produce, reading the items off the shopping list, and interacting politely with other people in the store.
There is a necessity in asking for help. Even when we don’t believe we need any, there is tremendous value in getting assistance. Whether it be a second opinion, a different lens to look through, or help with physical or manual labor, needing help is never something to feel bad or ashamed about; instead, it is something we should always aim for.
In our roles as leaders and learners, the help we provide to others should always be designed to lead people to where they want to be or go, and should be less about accomplishing any given task for them. Our goal should always be to offer assistance as needed, and accept if others feel they don’t want our help at the current time
In addition, just as we should be willing to give help at a moment’s notice, we should also be willing to take it, when provided. The best way to build a community of helpers is to structure a community to give and take help at all times.
Another goal of ours is to showcase that nobody can go it alone. While there is a certain “strength” with being able to accomplish things as an individual, the world, in general, is much less interesting when we avoid collaborating, competing, and cooperating with other people. Leading and learning are social enterprises, after all, and as such, we need to be engaged with others if we are to see the value of helping, and, in turn, seek help ourselves.
The next time you say (or hear) “I need some help” don’t see it as a sign of a struggle. Instead, see it as a token of friendship, partnership, and community, and welcome it with open arms and an outstretched hand