Have you ever needed to ask for help from someone you may be better than in many ways, but they know something you don’t?
The ability to acknowledge that you do not know something is one of the bravest forms of wisdom one can use to grow.
“Have people around you who are better than you.”
That was what my mentor told me when I was still learning how to grow in my career. A moment later, he added another line that stuck with me:
“Hire people better than you to help you run your business.”
At first, I resisted that idea. Why should I bring in people who are better than me? Wouldn’t that make me look weak or worse, replaceable? But with time and experience, I realised this was one of the greatest truths about leadership and growth. You can’t do it all alone.
You Can’t Do It All Alone – Why Leaders Need Help
No matter how intelligent, skilled, or determined you are, you will eventually hit a wall. Life, business, and even careers are built on collaboration.
Smart leaders understand that asking for help in business is not a weakness. It’s a strategy for success. One thing that separates geniuses from others isn’t that they know everything, but that they know how to ask the right questions and lean on the wisdom of others.
When you ask for the opinion of others before making a decision, it provides perspective. The final call is always yours, but those extra insights often lead to smarter choices.
Think about the most successful entrepreneurs. They don’t try to master everything. Instead, they build teams, hire experts, and create networks of people whose strengths complement their own. That’s what leadership growth is all about—recognising where you need help and being willing to ask for it.
The Power of Humility in Leadership and Learning
You may not be as talented as the person next to you, but when you ask how they do what they do, you tap into years of wisdom and experience. Surprisingly, most people are happy to share what they know. Being asked for help validates their expertise and makes them feel valued.
But here’s the truth. It takes humility to learn.
My father used to tell me, “Bend down and read.” Literally, it meant to lower your head to read a book. But metaphorically, it carried a deeper lesson. Knowledge comes only when you are willing to humble yourself.
The same principle applies in business. A leader who cannot humble themselves to learn will soon hit a ceiling. Humility in leadership is what creates room for growth, creativity, and innovation.
Even the Best Need Mentors and Coaches
Why do Olympic athletes who are arguably the best in the world still need coaches? Why do professional swimmers, no matter how skilled, have lifeguards watching them during competitions?
Because anything can happen. Fatigue, injury, or unexpected obstacles can strike at any time. No one is invincible.
The same applies in professional life. Even top lawyers sometimes lose track in court, and even doctors consult with other specialist doctors. This is why continuous learning and mentorship are critical for professionals across all industries. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom.
Continuous Learning: The Key to Professional Growth
One striking thing about the 21st century is the rapid growth of knowledge. Technology, the internet, and now AI are reshaping industries almost daily. What you know today may be outdated tomorrow.
That’s why professionals must commit to continuous learning. Attending seminars, conferences, and masterclasses isn’t just for beginners. It’s for anyone who wants to stay relevant.
History is filled with examples of companies that refused to adapt to change and failed. Think of BlackBerry phones. Once a market leader, they disappeared because they resisted change. The lesson is clear. If you don’t evolve, you get left behind.
For professionals, humility and open-mindedness are the way forward. If you’re rigid and closed to new ways of thinking, your career or business will eventually stall while others move ahead.
Building Stronger Teams Through Asking for Help
Asking for help also builds stronger relationships in the workplace. Leaders who are open about seeking input create a culture of teamwork. Employees feel valued when their voices matter, and innovation thrives in such environments.
This applies beyond business. In medicine, doctors work with nurses, technicians, and specialists to give patients the best care. In the military, officers mentor soldiers to ensure the profession’s standards remain high. In management, no leader succeeds without a reliable team. Teamwork is highly essential because you have someone to help when you have less ability.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating a space where the best answers can be found.
Smart hiring managers know that the people they employ are there to help them. In fact, that employee is the one doing you a favour and not the other way round. It’s important because they’re getting them to do things for the company.
Preparation Creates Opportunity (and What People Call “Luck”)
Some people call success luck. But in reality, luck is simply what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
As the Boy Scouts say: “Be Prepared.”
Keep learning. Keep practising. Keep preparing. When the right opportunity comes, you’ll be ready to take it.
The truth is, there’s nothing accidental about long-term success. Leaders who consistently prepare, ask for help, and adapt to change are the ones who rise above the rest.
Final Thoughts: Growth Through Asking for Help
At its core, asking for help in business and life is about strength, not weakness. It demonstrates your commitment to growth, your humility in learning, and your wisdom in leveraging the knowledge of others.
If you desire leadership growth, embrace humility in leadership, seek mentors, and create a culture where collaboration thrives. Because in today’s fast-paced world, no one succeeds alone.
Keep learning. Keep preparing. Keep asking questions. When your moment comes, show up, give your best, and ace it.