How do you accelerate personal and professional growth?
As I reflect on my corporate career, I see one major aspect I could have done much better: Asking for support.
That might not sound like a groundbreaking realization at first sight. But there is more to it: I am not talking about the kind of practical support that helps you fix a certain issue like a technical problem, a process, an administrative matter. This article is not about the kind of help where you keep your safe space and remain in your comfort zone.
I am talking about seeking support that requires you to open up, extend trust, and rely on others. The kind where you ask for personal feedback, share your challenges, or daring ideas. The conversations that help you grow because you step out of your comfort zone, confide, and become vulnerable.
When you discuss topics like:
🤔 What do you think about the following idea…
🤔 I am trapped in a vicious cycle, how could I step out?
🤔 I am getting frustrated with this person, what do you recommend?
🤔 It seems like I hit a wall, what could I do next?
🤔 How do you see me in this role?
🤔 What should I focus on to successfully continue on my career path?
I seldom asked for support when I needed to let my guard down. How about you?
The corporate world projects an image that everybody must be on top of everything; self-doubts or asking for help seem to be seen as weakness. Adding personal traits and limiting beliefs to this, it becomes very hard to break out and open up to someone.
But it is worth it!
And this is why I know that you may need to hear this, too.
The beauty of opening up to others
The obvious reward of confiding in others lies in the opportunity to receive valuable feedback, thoughts, and new ideas. You will accelerate your learning curve and foster your personal and professional development.
There are more layers though.
Through conversations, you become more aware of yourself. Discussing doubts, ideas, strengths, and weaknesses with someone else, reveals that your intentions are not always in sync with others’ perceptions. This will help you to understand yourself and others better.
As you cultivate awareness of your abilities, doubts naturally diminish and confidence grows. You develop greater trust in yourself and enhance your emotional intelligence, enabling you to manage your own emotions and empathize with others.
The result is a more balanced and grounded version of yourself, reflected in your energy and effective communication skills.
You become more positive, authentic, and inspiring.
Understanding your true self eliminates the need to project falsehoods, allowing you to focus your energy on others. You will be able to actively listen to them, to genuinely care, and create deeper connections. You build and nurture your network, your community!
With this solid sense of belonging, trusting others becomes effortless.
And just like that, you are present, mentally well, and more productive (successful!), too. You created your happy place!
Remember what made all this possible? You asking someone for support.
What can you do?
Are you ready to take your career to the next level?
The benefits of seeking support speak for themselves. However, I know from experience that it is not that straightforward. Barriers like fear of vulnerability, imposter syndrome, or cultural norms may prevent and discourage you from asking for help.
Therefore, I suggest starting small:
Think about the area(s) you would like to get support. What is it and what are your expectations? What goals do you have, dreams, or visions?
Find a person you respect and where you feel and want to be yourself. One that you would like to get to know better and hang out with, too.
Ask them if they are willing to support you in your career. You may want to explore if they could become your mentor, trustee, or coach. This can be helpful since it signals your interest in establishing a long-term partnership.
Share your expectations or goals with this person.
Find a way to exchange with them on a regular basis. Come prepared when you meet. Be specific and talk about your challenges, doubts, dreams, accomplishments.
Challenge yourself by going deeper and becoming more personal each time you meet.
Don’t be disillusioned if it does not feel natural from the very beginning. Give yourself time and follow up regularly with your person. Building trust takes time.
Worst case, if you realize that your personalities don’t match, repeat the cycle with another person.
Ah and yes: Don’t forget to have fun along the way! Laughter fosters personal connection, is good for your mental health, and makes you want to meet more often.
Once you have your first success stories, you will become more comfortable seeking help. As a next step, I encourage you to look for feedback and insights from multiple sources, people with different backgrounds on all levels of the organization. Gaining diverse perspectives will enrich your understanding and broaden your personal development further.
If you would like to get support or more insights, get in touch with me.
Especially if personal barriers prevent you from reaching out to someone. I am happy to be your trusted person and to support you in your journey.
What has been your experience with seeking support in your career?
Would love to hear from you, ping me or comment below.
Keep shining, Yvonne
