Why Asking for Help is Smart

Posted: Nov 24, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

At some point all of us need to ask for some type of help. Maybe we are unsure about a financial decision. Something involving our important relationship doesn't seem to be working as well as it once did. Maybe a relative has a health problem we don't know enough about. None of us comes with a complete set of knowledge on every subject. So, we seek help. We ask friends, experts in the field, even strangers on the Internet for some feedback.

Even knowing we could use some assistance doesn't mean it is easy for us. We love to give advice, we're not as anxious to receive it. I certainly needed help at several times in my life, but was slow to ask. In thinking abou those times I have developed a list of some of the reasons. So you don't repeat my wasted time and effort here are some thoughts on why you shouldn't hesitate to seek and accept help when you need it. 

Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness. From time to time every one of us needs the advice or opinion of others. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, rather it is a sign of strength. You sense a need and take an assertive step fill it. An effective leader knows his strengths and where he is not and takes action to shore up the areas that need reinforcement.

Asking for help allows you to access a larger pool of knowledge. There are people who know a whole lot about something you don't. To seek out that advice when you could benefit from it is smart. After all, if you are asking for help shouldn't you check the best source available? If you look closely you will notice that the most successful people always surround themselves with people stronger than they are in areas in which they are weak.


 Most people love to be asked for their help. Unless you are asking a complete stranger, someone you approach to give you a helping hand will be very willing to do so. If that person is qualified to give you solid advice both of you will benefit. Don't worry about others judging you because you asked for their help. They are likely to think quite highly of you for turning to them.

Don't assume the person you need help from isn't willing to give it. Most of us are hesitant to impose on a friend or someone who has experience solving our particular problem. We may rationalize they are probably much too busy to spend time with our issue. If that's your thought, re-read the section above.

Accept offered help or advice graciously. If you ask for help, it is not a good course of action to tell that person why his or her suggestions won't work. Remember, you asked them. Accept what they have to say and then decide at later time if the answer will work for you. Even if a friend, co-worker, or spouse offers unsolicited advice accept the offer to help. That person may have noticed something you didn't or has fresh insight. Ultimately, you decide whether to act on the suggested fix.

Ask for input before you are overwhelmed, frustrated and angry. You won't be at your receptive best if whatever is bothering you has reached a critical stage. You will be looking for an immediate fix that may do nothing to solve the underlying issue. You won't have the patience to explain the situation fully so the other person can give you good advice. Ask for help as soon as you are aware you need it. 

Finally, say "Thank You."  People really do like to help other people. They also like to be acknowledged for that assistance. Someone went out of their way, probably invested some time in the problem, and gave you their best advice. Even if you don't plan on using the suggestions thank them.


Many of us do everything we can to avoid admitting we could use someone else's assistance. We will knowingly make the situation worse before asking for help. I am living proof. At one point or another I have ignored every single item listed above. I think I'm a bit smarter in my old age. Now I realize that asking for help is not an indication I'm weak, in fact just the opposite.

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