Have you ever worried that if you accept help you could jeopardize your credibility or not get the credit when things turn around?
Today’s Asking for a Friend addresses this common concern.
“Hey, Karin, I’ll admit it. My team’s results are not where they need to be. It’s been a rocky couple of months. We are struggling. But my manager now wants to bring in all kinds of help: people from HR, training, and even my peers.
I’m worried because if we turn this thing around, I think everybody’s going to say, “Well, of course, the results got better, but it wasn’t HIM who did it. It was all these other people.” What should I do?” #askingforafriend
Embracing Assistance: How to Accept Help and Lead Successfully
Let’s talk about a situation many leaders face, but few openly discuss. Imagine you’re at the helm of a team that’s hit a rough patch. The results aren’t up to par, and it’s been a challenging few months. Then, your manager decides it’s time to bring in external help. Now, that’s a situation that can stir up a mix of emotions.
The Dilemma: Accept Help
You might find yourself wrestling with thoughts like, “If we turn this around, will they say it wasn’t me but the new help that made the difference?” It’s a valid concern, but let’s flip the script.
The Perils of Not Accepting Help
Refusing to accept help can backfire. Worst case scenario? You say, “No thanks, I’ve got this,” but the results don’t improve. Now, you’re dealing with two issues:
- Your results are still lagging.
- You’re perceived as someone who isn’t a team player, more concerned about credit than actual results.
Accept Help, Lead with Confidence
Now, imagine a different scenario. You accept help, and the results improve. What people notice first are the positive outcomes, not who did what. But here’s the kicker: how do you accept help and still shine as a leader?
Six Steps to Successfully Accept Help
- Invite People In: Embrace assistance with confident humility.
- Align on a Vision: Ensure everyone understands the end goal.
- Be Involved in the Strategy: Use the resources wisely without losing your leadership role.
- Make Careful Choices: Prevent overwhelm by delegating effectively.
- Monitor Results: Keep an eye on what’s working to replicate success.
- Thank the Helpers: Acknowledge the contribution of others and celebrate the success together.
When you accept help and use it wisely, you’re not just fixing immediate issues; you’re building a stronger, more adaptable team.
Your Turn
So, that’s my take on why it’s important to accept help and how to do it while leading confidently. What are your thoughts? Ever been in a similar situation? How did you handle it?
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