Overcoming the Fear of Asking for Help

Barack Obama once said, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day.” Yet, asking for help can be both easy and challenging. In the busy world we live in, it’s common to hesitate, fearing we might burden others. However, seeking assistance is crucial for creating a vibrant community experience that benefits everyone, particularly as a Village Professional.

Requesting help is a sign of strength and growth, both personally and professionally. Oprah Winfrey highlights this, stating, “Asking for help doesn’t mean we are weak or incompetent. It usually indicates an advanced level of honesty and intelligence.” Not only does it allow for personal development, but it also fosters a sense of purpose and connection.

Undertaking a mindset shift to overcome your fear of rejection try reframing asking for help as a collaborative effort, not a weakness. Focus on the positive outcomes. This will help you to cultivate relationships with colleagues, peers, and experts before the need arises.

The way you frame your request can influence the response. Use positive and clear phrasing. Practice with sample dialogues or email templates to refine your approach, depending on your connection and the assistance required.

To effectively ask for help, consider this structure:

• I need to (Signpost)
• I’m looking for (Request)
• This matters because (Rationale)
• I’m asking you because (Why them)
• I need this by (Deadline)
• Are you open to (Opt-in/out)
• Express Gratitude

We are all human. None of us are perfect.

Asking for help is proven to foster a culture where mutual support is normalised, benefiting the entire community through reciprocity. You help me, I help you.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

We’ve made our way around the country over the past three weeks dealing with Village Professionals in the form of Village Managers, Sales Managers, Coordinators and Administrators for our Professional Development Series. What stands out on these days is collegiate nature of these people to provide guidance, support and assistance – when it is asked for.

The final word, by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that you cannot sincerely try to help another without helping yourself.”