Asking for help isn’t failure. It’s an opportunity for success.
Are you trying to do everything yourself?
Is it working?
Or do you wish there was a better way?
Being good at your job doesn't mean running the race alone.
It means having the humility to know when you need help.
And the other day I needed help.
Raise Your Hand
As a combined Architecture and Engineering firm, the needs vary greatly for each discipline throughout my office.
It's a complex, but well-oiled machine.
But it can always be better.
For the past several months, I've helped co-lead an internal group to better the firm's "Digital Practices."
It's about 8 or so people who represent a wide variety of disciplines and experience levels.
Engineers.
Architects.
Interior Designers.
Emerging Pros.
Seasoned Pros.
As part of my role on the committee, I started taking on more tasks on my own than I really needed to.
I'm an ambitious person by nature and got a bit carried away.
How could I tell?
Half of my tasks were getting done... ...half weren't.
My day-to-day project work took precedent. The committee tasks sat idle.
I needed help.
So I raised my hand.
It's not an easy feeling.
In fact, it feels like you're failing a little.
But...
Now we have three engaged, thoughtful, and creative people taking over those important tasks.
With a little humility, we'll get it done.
Successful projects are built by teams. If you're managing a creative team, you don't have to be superhuman. You just have to be human.
And ask for help when you need it.
Asking builds connections to other people and makes the team stronger. They have the opportunity to share their ideas and offer new perspectives that you can’t see in the moment. The fog of the issue blinds you from seeing the alternative solutions.
Here are some indicators you should look for to know when to ask for help.
Common Times You Should Ask for Help
When a deadline looms large
When you feel overwhelmed
When a task is better served by someone else
When you need guidance
When the unexpected happens
When a friend, family member or colleague notices that you’re dealing with any of the above
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Asking for help isn’t limited to work. Any part of your life can feel like it’s weighing you down.
There are people who will support you though.
It’s okay to ask.
Until next week, here are links to the treasures I’ve found out in the creative wilderness.
Enjoy!
Recent Finds
Andrew Huberman — Understanding dopamine and how it affects our actions (Short) | An interesting breakdown of dopamine and what evolution’s intent for it was in our lives. Dr. Huberman describes how dopamine is meant to help us when we’re on the right path, not just to feel good all the time. Science.
Amie McNee — If you don’t feel vaguely annoying you’re probably doing it wrong. (Reel) | This reel is exactly what we all need some days. A hard lesson I’ve learned over time is that creation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. You can’t make something and hope people will find it. You have to put yourself out there. For those of us who don’t naturally have the “salesy” gene, we struggle with being too annoying. But when 500 hours of new videos are uploaded to platforms like YouTube every minute, don’t worry if your sharing your work and ideas whenever you do it. The world needs your work and your voice.
Wes Kao — To Improve Your Writing, Delete These 7 Words (LinkedIn) | As creatives, the power of our ideas hangs on the power of how we communicate them. The words we choose matter. And this post from Wes Kao is a helpful push to get rid of the words that may be holding us back. She also provides an alternative way to say the same thing with better words in each scenario. Whether you’re an Architect, a Painter, a Marketer, or any kind of creative pro, this is a must read.
Bonus: Talk Ville Podcast — The Pilot of Smallville (YouTube) | Anyone who knows me well, knows I’m low key obsessed with all things superheroes. The show “Smallville” is no exception. Since the show ended with its tenth season in 2011, I’ve been waiting for just the right time to re-watch it. Now is that time. Clark Kent and Lex Luthor themselves, Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum, just started a new re-watch podcast and it is phenomenal. If you have ever been interested in behind-the-scenes production, superheroes, Smallville or the like, this is a must watch.
Quote of the Week
“You are always one idea away from changing the course of your entire life.”
— Jesse Itzler
That's all for now.
Stay creative, my friends—and have a great week!
