Never Say “Sorry” For This…

When I was in high school, no one visited the guidance counselor. I mean NO ONE.

He was a creepy hippy-turned-teacher who sat alone in his third-floor office, waiting for someone to show up and ask for help.

We students thought asking for help was an act of surrender. A sign of weakness. An admission of shortcomings.

So we pushed on, hiding our struggles, leaving big questions unanswered, flying alone.

When our daughter was about to enter the same high school, we asked the principal about academic support. As parents, we wanted our kid to seek help when needed. We wondered whether the school still had one lonely guidance counselor who sat alone in the same dusty office.

The principal assured us: The school has multiple counselors and they actively encourage students to seek help.

“We tell them: It’s the SMART kids who seek help,” she told us. “We tell students there’s no shame in it. We encourage them to take advantage of the resources we offer.”

I’ve never forgotten that: “It’s the SMART kids who seek help.”

I told that story yesterday during a group coaching session for members of my Story Power VIP Program.

VIP member Linda asked a couple of questions. Before she asked another one, she sheepishly said, “I’m sorry, I have another question…”

…as if she had something to be sorry for.

I told Linda and the other members that they can and should ask as many questions as they wish. Our group meeting has no time limit. I’ll answer questions until members finish asking them.

I told Linda and the members about my daughter and the school and the principal who said smart kids seek help.

We all struggle in business. We all wish to appear on top of the game. When we ask a question, we naturally reveal, “We don’t know…”

And that’s OK. In fact, we’re better off if we reveal we don’t know, if we ask the questions, if we get the answers.

Otherwise, we’re flying alone, and we’re lost.

Seek help. Ask questions. Take advantage of the resources around you. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a smart move that will make you stronger.