The Power of Asking
“The important thing is to not stop questioning”– Albert Einstein
As a business leader, it’s important to understand the power of making requests. Requests can help you achieve your goals, build better relationships, and drive positive change in your organization. Here are three ways to apply the power of asking and connecting with others:
Ask for Assistance – Requesting assistance is a powerful way to build relationships and collaborate with others. By asking for help, you demonstrate that you value and trust the people you work with. When you receive assistance, you create opportunities for mutual growth and success. When requesting assistance, be clear and specific about what you need and why, and show appreciation for the help you receive. If you indeed resolve an issue, make sure to share the credit with those that helped; with a celebration perhaps!
Ask for Feedback – Requesting feedback can be a valuable tool for personal and professional growth. When you ask for feedback, you show that you are open to constructive criticism and are committed to continuous improvement. It also demonstrates humility and vulnerability – two characteristics followers appreciate in their leaders. Feedback can also help you identify areas for improvement, avoid blind spots, and make better decisions. When asking for feedback, be specific, listen actively, and show gratitude for the response.
Ask for Changes – Requesting changes can help you drive positive improvements in your organization. Whether you want to improve processes, introduce new ideas, or address challenges, making requests can help you achieve your goals. It can be as simple as sending out a questionnaire and asking for process improvement ideas and suggestions, or as complex as facilitating a scenario planning session. In either case, make it fun! When making requests for changes, be clear about what you want, why, and how it will benefit your team. Communicate effectively, reply quickly, be open to feedback, and most importantly, be willing to listen and respond respectfully.
So, to make the power of asking most effective for you and your team, determine which questioning process will help you address a particular problem or opportunity, and add “ask” to your weekly calendar! If you’re unsure of where to start, ask me – I’ll happily reply to your request!