Tag Archives: helpful

“Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful.”

Posted on by

“Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful.”

—Ric Ocasek, late vocalist, guitarist and songwriter

Image from Unsplash by Zan

There is no such thing as a self-made man or woman.

From the day we are born, our parents, family members, friends, teachers, counselors, mentors, and coaches have helped us along the way. If you look closely at these moments, you will likely see considerable happiness and smiles on their individual faces.

As we get older and gain more independence, many of us become reluctant, even resistant, to the assistance of others, because we don’t wish to impose or put them out.

How often have you stood proudly in your stubborn, I can do it myself shoes?

EXERCISE:

Where and with whom could you request assistance on an important matter to demonstrate how much you value them, and providing them the pleasure of being helpful?

Who in your world may be reluctant to ask you for a helping hand?

Don’t Be Smart Be Helpful

Posted on by

“Don’t be smart, be helpful.”

—Author Unknown

Image created in Canva

How do you participate in your professional and personal communities? How often do you find yourself sharing your knowledge, life experiences, and wisdom with others? What is your talk-to-listen ratio?

What if a trusted colleague or significant other took a survey of ten people in each of your communities, asking exactly how helpful you were through your various interactions? How would you score?

EXERCISE:

Using big esoteric words to communicate a simple point just annoys people. Before you speak today, ask yourself, “Is what I am about to say just me trying to be smart, or is it actually helpful?”

It is, of course, OK to be both on occasion.