The Power of Asking for Help: An Underrated Skill Every Leader Needs
By Jayson Krause, Managing Director of Level 52 & Award-Winning Author of The Science Behind Success
Asking for help is often seen as a weakness in leadership. We’re conditioned to think that strong leaders are the ones who have all the answers, who can solve any problem and rise to any challenge without assistance. But asking for help can be one of the most underrated, and powerful skills a leader can have.
The best leaders we see in our work aren’t those who stand alone, independent and self-sufficient. They’re the ones who recognize when they need support, who leverage the strengths of others, and who know that asking for help isn’t a sign of incompetence, but a sign of wisdom and humility.
I break down below why asking for help is essential for effective leadership, how it builds trust and fosters growth, and why it’s a skill that every leader needs to embrace.
The Cost of Going It Alone
As a leader, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that asking for help will make you appear weak, vulnerable, or unprepared. You fear that your teams will lose confidence in you or that you’ll be judged for not having all the answers. But here’s the paradox: going it alone doesn’t show strength - it showcases isolation.
When you refuse to ask for help, you cut yourself off from the expertise, insights, and perspectives that could lead to better decisions and more innovative solutions. You become a bottleneck, slowing down progress and creating unnecessary stress and burnout. Refusing to ask for help comes with a high cost, both for leaders and for the organizations they lead.
Something to consider: Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a strategic move that allows you to leverage the strengths of your team and make better decisions.
Why Leaders Struggle to Ask for Help
So, why do so many leaders struggle to ask for help? The answer often comes down to three main barriers: ego, fear, and the myth of self-sufficiency.
Ego: Many leaders have an innate drive to be seen as capable, knowledgeable, and in control. Asking for help feels like an admission that we don’t have it all figured out, which can be a blow to our ego. But ego is the enemy of growth. The more you let ego dictate your actions, the more you miss out on the support that can make you better.
Fear of Judgment: Leaders worry that by asking for help, they’ll be seen as less competent or capable. This fear of judgment can create a wall that prevents you from reaching out, even when you know you need assistance. However, the best leaders recognize that vulnerability builds credibility, not the other way around.
The Myth of Self-Sufficiency: There’s a long-standing myth in leadership that you should be able to handle anything on your own. But in reality, leadership is a team sport. Trying to be completely self-sufficient is a recipe for burnout and missed opportunities.
Something to consider: Recognizing these barriers is the first step in overcoming them. When you let go of ego, fear, and the myth of self-sufficiency, you open yourself up to the support that can make you a stronger leader.
The Benefits of Asking for Help
Asking for help does more than alleviate your workload. It builds trust, empowers your team, and models the kind of behavior that encourages collaboration and openness. Here are the key benefits of asking for help as a leader:
It Builds Trust and Authenticity
When you ask for help, you’re showing your team that you’re human. You’re demonstrating that you don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. This vulnerability builds trust. When your team sees that you’re willing to reach out for support, they’re more likely to trust you and feel comfortable doing the same.
In fact, a study published in The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that leaders who ask for help are often perceived as more authentic and approachable. Authenticity is one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit, and asking for help is a direct way to show it.
It Creates a Culture of Collaboration
Leadership isn’t a solo act; it’s a team effort. When you ask for help, you’re modeling a culture of collaboration and openness. You’re showing your team that collaboration is a strength, not a weakness. This creates an environment where people feel comfortable seeking help from each other, leading to better teamwork, stronger relationships, and higher performance.
By asking for help, you also open the door for others to share their ideas and expertise. It’s often in these collaborative moments that breakthrough solutions and innovations arise.
It Empowers Your Team
When you ask for help, you’re giving your team members the opportunity to step up, contribute, and take ownership. This isn’t just about getting support, but about empowering your team to use their skills and insights to make a difference. People want to feel valued, and by asking for help, you’re validating their expertise.
Involving your team in solving challenges makes them feel more invested in the outcome. It’s a way of saying, “I trust you, and I value your input.” When people feel trusted, they’re more engaged, motivated, and committed.
It Leads to Better Decision-Making
When leaders try to tackle everything on their own, they limit the perspectives and insights that inform their decisions. Asking for help brings new ideas, diverse perspectives, and specialized knowledge into the conversation, leading to better, more well-rounded decisions.
Research shows that diverse perspectives improve decision-making and lead to more effective outcomes. By asking for help, you’re expanding your vantage point and minimizing blind spots. The decisions you make are stronger because they’re informed by multiple viewpoints, not just your own.
How to Ask for Help Effectively
Asking for help is a skill, and like any skill, it can be developed. Here’s how to do it effectively so that it strengthens your leadership and builds trust within your team:
Be Clear About What You Need
When asking for help, be specific about what you need. Vague requests can lead to confusion or half-hearted efforts. Clearly communicate the support you’re looking for, why it’s important, and how it will contribute to the bigger picture. This helps the person you’re asking to understand their role and feel confident in their contribution.
Acknowledge Their Expertise
When you ask someone for help, take a moment to acknowledge their expertise. Let them know why you’re coming to them and how their skills or insights can make a difference. This isn’t about flattery, but showing genuine respect for what they bring to the table. It reinforces the idea that asking for help isn’t about your weakness, but rather their strength.
Be Open to Different Approaches
When you ask for help, you’re inviting someone else’s perspective. Be open to the fact that their approach might differ from yours. Trust in their expertise and be willing to adapt if their solution differs from what you expected. Remember, the goal is to solve the problem effectively, not to have it done exactly the way you would do it.
Express Gratitude
Always express gratitude when someone helps you out. It sounds simple, but a genuine “thank you” goes a long way in building a culture of support and appreciation. Let them know how their support made a difference, and recognize the impact of their contribution. Gratitude reinforces collaboration and strengthens relationships.
The Strength in Asking for Help
Great leaders know that asking for help doesn’t diminish their strength but amplifies it. The willingness to seek support, tap into others’ expertise, and admit when you don’t have all the answers is what makes leaders truly effective. Asking for help isn’t just a tool to get through a busy day, consider it a leadership strategy that builds trust, empowers teams, and fosters a culture of collaboration.
