Thursday, July 01, 2010
Stuck? Admit it and Ask For Help
Sometime, a leader really gets stuck, and doesn’t see a way out. We all occasionally get into a spot where the path to unstuck-ness eludes us. We just can’t see that first step that is necessary to move beyond whatever barriers are in our way (even when the barrier is ourselves). And we’re often too proud to ask for help.
Once you are willing to admit that the answers aren’t coming to you without help, consider the following:
1. Ask a “stakeholder”. Who can you request some assistance from? Consider your mentor, a manager, peers, employees, or a friend. How about a customer? Depending on the nature of your stuck-ness, one or more of these might be appropriate.
2. Find a support organization within your company. Human resources, the strategic planning department, organizational development, and IT are a few of the possible resources that might help with specific issues.
3. Take a time out. When you aren’t under the immediate pressure of time, it often helps to let things simmer. A time out, even a real vacation away from the office, can help you come up with ideas that get you beyond stuck.
Every single one of these ideas requires you to admit that you don’t have all of the answers. All three of them require the assistance of others.
Many of us need the assistance of our own ongoing “board of directors” to help us think through things on a regular basis. I belong to two Mastermind groups – one with colleagues who do what I do, one with colleagues who do different things. They both serve a purpose, and I need them both to get unstuck at times.
So I’m curious. What’s worked for you to become unstuck?
Until next time...Lead like you mean it!
Marjorie