When to Ask for Help

Ask for help when you don't know how to help yourself, or the information and assistance provided by an expert will expedite resolution of your problems.

I was impressed by the wisdom of the young man in my office. "Why did you ask for counseling?" I asked. "Some of the brightest people in history had breakdowns; Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein for instance", he said.  Instantly I realized that this case had a good prognosis.  Wisdom to ask for assistance is often accompanied by humility, a teachable spirit, and motivation to do whatever is necessary to resolve painful problems...and it is a mark of great leaders. 

Leaders, you ask?  Yes, leaders, as in we are each responsible to lead our own lives, and if we influence only one other person, then we are a leader per one popular definition, "Leadership is influence."

So, this young man is serious about living a life of impact, commensurate with his God-given intellect and creativity.  And, he is already evincing a key quality of effective leadership; wisdom regarding when to ask for help.

Great leaders make great decisions by gathering as much information as possible before the decision deadline.  That's why we see a multiplicity of advisers around Presidents, and numerous consultants employed by business executives.  Great leaders turn to experts for information and perspective as an essential part of their process of executive decision-making.

And so it is for you, and me; leaders of our own lives.

When to ask for help?  When you don't know the answer, or when information and perspective provided by an expert could hasten the solution.

"Of course I'll try what you've suggested" the young man said.  "You've got the degrees" he said as he pointed to the wall.  "That's why I'm here; to learn from you how to help myself".  

As a counselor I couldn't ask for a better scenario.

By the way, do you now how many counselor's it takes to change a light bulb?

Just one, but the light bulb has to really want to change....

blessings, Jeff

Jeffrey J. Williams is licensed as a Professional Clinical Counsleor and Supervising Counselor in the State of Ohio, License #E-3098