Most managers tell their employees to ask for help when needed – not surprisingly, many employees don’t. I suppose it’s because they’re fearful of looking weak. We all want our bosses to think we can do anything, but the risks involved with doing things wrong outweigh the false pride associated with that silence. But I don’t blame the employees – that worry is built into the hierarchy at many companies, and that must be pro-actively addressed by leaders. That starts with onboarding – building relationships based on openness and trust; it continues through job training and coaching – always being there so that employees feel safe in being honest; and it continues every day when managers continuously interact with and coach their employees – reinforcing that trust so that employees know that it’s a safe environment for open discussion. Meaning leaders must use the skills associated with emotional intelligence and servant leadership, showing that openness, honesty, trust, and humility are woven into the workplace culture. Only then will employees open up and humbly ask for help when it’s needed. When that happens, remember it’s all about the person asking for help – leave yourself and your ego out of it. Then, both you and your employee will get what you each need and be proud to work there. Create a safe and trusting workplace today.
Pauline Joyce Meyer (born 1943): American Charismatic Christian author, speaker, and president of Joyce Meyer Ministries.
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