It was Christmastime. An elaborate gift arrived at my doorstep from someone trying to land an appointment with me. Although gifts can show genuine gratitude, I knew this one was intended to manipulate me. The gift giver tried to use the law of reciprocity to make me feel obligated into taking the sales appointment. It didn\u2019t work the first time . . . or the following seven attempts. In fact, I started sending the packages back. If you want help from me, this is the absolute wrong route to take.<\/p>\n
Leaders often make mistakes when asking for help. In many cases, they believe asking for help is an admission of inadequate leadership. This simply isn\u2019t true.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t need to know all the right answers. You just need to find people with the right expertise.<\/p>\n
There are several wrong ways to request help. Avoid the most common mistakes with these five tips for asking for help.<\/p>\n
Requests are not always an imposition. People want to be helpful.<\/p>\n
When we began planning a new organizational structure for Michael Hyatt & Co., we realized we needed professional help. We thought of our friend, John, because he\u2019s more gifted at organizational design than anyone else in our network.<\/p>\n
In our request, we said, \u201cLook! We need help with organizational design. We thought through our options, and we don\u2019t know anyone better than you. We would love the opportunity to get your brain on this problem for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asking for help, clearly state why you think the person is uniquely qualified to help. If they are anything like John, they will be happy to contribute.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know you\u2019re busy and have more important things to do\u2026\u201d Beginning a conversation like this paints your request in a negative light. Instead, position your request positively.<\/p>\n
A friend once asked me for marketing advice on building a business around a bestselling book. He said, \u201cI have an interesting problem that I believe you would enjoy solving.\u201d<\/p>\n
The problem was posed as an exciting puzzle instead of an energy drain. It ignited my imagination and creativity. I enjoyed giving advice. I wanted to help my friend succeed.<\/p>\n
Figure out how to frame your problems in a positive light. You\u2019ll greatly change the outcome.<\/p>\n
I am often on the receiving end of book endorsements. I\u2019m thankful for those who endorse my writing, but that doesn\u2019t mean I owe an endorsement in return.<\/p>\n
On a few occasions, I\u2019ve received requests that imply they are entitled to an endorsement from me. This doesn\u2019t sit well with me. \u201cRemember when I endorsed you? Now it\u2019s your responsibility to return the favor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yuck. Entitlement is ugly. Instead of demanding help, ask for it. I often add an easy out at the end of requests. I\u2019ll say, \u201cIf you\u2019re too busy to do this or feel like you can\u2019t, no worries. We\u2019re still friends.\u201d This helps the recipient know my intention. I want to invite help, not coerce it.<\/p>\n\t\t