REFLECTION:
I’ve been working on a new opening for a speech that I’ll be giving in Phoenix next month. After having drafted out my ideas, I asked a few colleagues of mine who are blessed with an abundance of wit and humor for their reactions and advice.
I just heard back from the first of my buddies. He offered some great suggestions and reassured me I was on the right track. Now I’m even more excited about doing some additional tweaking and tuning.
On the same day, a colleague of mine contacted me and asked if I’d contribute to a bonus package of items that she was putting together as a purchasing incentive to help market her new book. Our messages are complimentary to each other, so I was happy to give her a hand and add to her bundle.
What do these two experiences have in common? The practice of reaching out for help and asking for what you need.
It has been my experience that friends, family and colleagues are more than willing to lend a helping hand. But if you and I can’t identify the need or find the confidence or humility to make the request, those generous offers of caring and support are much less likely to surface.
ACTION:
What do you need? And where can you help? Pay close attention at work and at home. Someone just might need support; and at any given time it could be you or me on the giving or receiving end of the equation.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“He who is afraid of asking is ashamed of learning.” – Danish Proverb
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RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:
Here’s an interesting article from the Business section of the New York Times titled, “Why Is Asking For Help So Difficult?” See: http://tinyurl.com/yhxcasw
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READERS WRITE:
In response to last week’s message on ‘Buckling Down’, Pause reader GJ writes: Well, this is one of the most timely messages I have received in ages! I’m in a wonderful new position. After 20 years at home raising my children, I’ve been easing into part time work. For the last 8 months I’ve been working full time. I love the learning curve around my new position; but prioritizing, managing the interruptions and trying to remain focused on task is a weakness. Today YOU have just written out what I need to place in front of me to help me transition to a more productive day. Thank you!
REFLECTION: I’ve been working on a new opening for a speech that I’ll be giving in Phoenix next month. After having drafted out my ideas, I asked a few colleagues of mine who are blessed with an abundance of wit and humor for their reactions and advice. I just heard back from the first of my buddies. He offered some great suggestions and reassured me I was on the right track. Now I’m even more excited about doing some additional tweaking and tuning.
On the same day, a colleague of mine contacted me and asked if I’d contribute to a bonus package of items that she was putting together as a purchasing incentive to help market her new book. Our messages are complimentary to each other, so I was happy to give her a hand and add to her bundle.
What do these two experiences have in common? The practice of reaching out for help and asking for what you need.
It has been my experience that friends, family and colleagues are more than willing to lend a helping hand. But if you and I can’t identify the need or find the confidence or humility to make the request, those generous offers of caring and support are much less likely to surface.
ACTION: What do you need? And where can you help? Pay close attention at work and at home. Someone just might need support; and at any given time it could be you or me on the giving or receiving end of the equation.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “He who is afraid of asking is ashamed of learning.” – Danish Proverb
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Here’s an interesting article from the Business section of the New York Times titled, “Why Is Asking For Help So Difficult?” See: http://tinyurl.com/yhxcasw
READERS WRITE: In response to last week’s message on ‘Buckling Down’, Pause reader GJ writes: Well, this is one of the most timely messages I have received in ages! I’m in a wonderful new position. After 20 years at home raising my children, I’ve been easing into part time work. For the last 8 months I’ve been working full time. I love the learning curve around my new position; but prioritizing, managing the interruptions and trying to remain focused on task is a weakness. Today YOU have just written out what I need to place in front of me to help me transition to a more productive day. Thank you!
