287: The Power of Asking for Help: Why Even Top Leaders Don’t Go It Alone

In the late 1990s, Apple was struggling. Co-founder Steve Jobs returned to the company, recognizing that he couldn’t rescue Apple on his own. So, he did what all smart leaders do—he asked for help. Jobs persuaded Tim Cook to join Apple, and the rest is history. Cook’s operational expertise transformed Apple, streamlining its supply chain and ultimately paving the way for the iconic products we know today.

This story highlights a key point: even visionary leaders like Jobs need help to succeed.

In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, I sit down with executive coach and storyteller Deepak Daniel to discuss why asking for help is not a weakness, but a superpower that leaders can use to unlock their full potential.

One of the most challenging hurdles leaders face is overcoming the fear of asking for help. Many leaders, particularly those in high-stakes roles, often feel the pressure to know everything. This is especially true when their reputation and success seem to depend on always having the answers. But as Deepak shares in this episode, that mindset can hinder your success.

Leaders who ask for help when needed, collaborate with others, and seek guidance build stronger teams, achieve bigger results, and gain respect. In fact, failing to ask for help can lead to burnout, missed opportunities, and, worse, project failure.

Deepak and I dive into the reasons why leaders—whether they’re in the boardroom or on the sports field—hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s fear of appearing incompetent, imposter syndrome, or overconfidence, these mental blocks can severely limit a leader’s ability to succeed.

During our discussion, Deepak shares powerful strategies to shift your mindset around help-seeking. Leaders who are humble enough to acknowledge when they need assistance are the ones who lead with resilience, adaptability, and strength. By embracing this vulnerability, you open up a world of possibilities, including better problem-solving and stronger team dynamics.

💡 Strategic Insights: Even top executives don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. Learn how asking for help can unlock the door to better business outcomes.

🎓 Expert Advice: Practical ways to navigate imposter syndrome, overcome the fear of asking for help, and leverage the power of collaboration.

🛠️ Actionable Tips: Step-by-step strategies to build trusted relationships, ask for help effectively, and track your progress toward becoming a more effective leader.

As Deepak wisely points out, “The power of asking for help is about building trust and relationships—it’s a team game, and you cannot win alone.”

If you’re ready to make a bigger IMPACT, it’s time to stop going it alone. Tune into this week’s episode and learn how to start asking for help, lead more effectively, and drive the outcomes that matter most.

For more insights on elevating your leadership, grab your copy of The IMPACT Engine and become part of the IMPACT Insider community, where you’ll gain access to exclusive tools and resources to help you lead with confidence.