The document discusses how asking for help as a leader is not a sign of weakness, but rather can make one a better leader. It provides examples of who leaders can ask for help, such as employees, colleagues, peers, board members, mentors, coaches, and outlines tips for effectively asking for help by reframing it as mutually beneficial and being specific about the type of feedback or guidance needed. The overall message is that asking for help from others can prevent leaders from spinning their wheels alone and allows them to leverage the expertise of others.

1. Leadership: The Power
of Asking for Help

2. LEADERSHIP
can be lonely

3. WE THINK
It’s a sign of
weakness to ask for
help

4. WHEN WE’RE AT THE TOP
What to do
At least looking like you do

5. Who to Ask

6. Your Employees
Asking your team members for help
or feedback shows that you value
and trust them. It gives them
opportunities to shine, grow, and
take more ownership

7. According to Ideo
CEO, Tim Brown
“…the more complex the
problem, the more help you
need. And that’s the kind of
stuff we’re getting asked to
tackle, so we need to figure
out how to have a culture
where help is much, much
more embedded.”

8. Your Colleagues and
Peers

9. Research has shown that
asking colleagues and peers
for advice can actually earn
you more respect

10. Your Board

11. Approaching board
members directly to seek
advice may be appreciated
if it prevents you from
spinning your wheels while
leaving them in the dark

12. A Trusted Mentor

13. The act of asking someone
you respect for advice is a
clear statement that you
value their wisdom and
expertise

14. As Steve Jobs
asserted in his
now famous
1994 interview
“I’ve never found anyone
who’s said no or hung up the
phone when I called – I just
asked. And when people ask
me, I try to be as responsive,
to pay that debt of gratitude
back.”

15. A Leadership or
Executive Coach

16. Executives are increasingly
turning to coaches to help
them grow and succeed

17. Tips for Making the Ask

18. Reframe it as a positive
Your “ask” provides a mutual benefit – it gives others the opportunity
to offer their expertise and showcase their skills.
Be Specific
Define the question and the specific feedback or
guidance you are seeking
Make it clear why you are asking
that person
What strengths or skills do you see in them

19. Example
I’m totally out of my
depth and don’t know
how to solve this
problem
I know you have
extensive experience
with mergers and
acquisitions and I would
appreciate your input on
this situation

20. HOW-TO GUIDE TO
ACTIVE LISTENING
Download 5 tips for more insightful one-on-ones

21. https://torch.io/leadership-
the-power-of-asking-for-help/
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