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Is it OK to Ask for Help as a Leader?

Writer's picture: Mike BensiMike Bensi

When we think about what makes a great leader, we often picture qualities like confidence, decisiveness, and that ever-elusive “executive presence.”

But what if one of the most impactful traits of a leader wasn’t about projecting strength but showing vulnerability?  


I remember early in my first management role, I was given a tough project to lead. I felt completely out of my depth but thought I had to prove I could do it. I wrestled with it on my own for days, afraid that asking for help would make me look unqualified. Finally, after hitting a wall, I approached my manager. To my surprise, she not only helped clarify the path forward but also offered insights I hadn’t even considered.


What I learned in that moment was simple but powerful: asking for help didn’t make me less of a leader—it made me a better one. It showed her - and eventually my team - that I valued collaboration and wasn’t afraid to lean on others to get the best results.


Asking for help is a skill we’re all pretty familiar with in our early careers. Need clarification on a project? Ask your manager. Unsure how to move forward? Lean on a teammate.


But as we step into leadership roles, this habit often gets forgotten or ignored. Maybe it’s the fear of looking like we don’t have it all together, or maybe we think we’re “supposed” to have the answers. Whatever the reason, we stop asking—and it’s a mistake.  


Here’s the truth: asking for help doesn’t make you look weak. It shows you’re self-aware, willing to learn, and focused on getting the best outcome for your team. It sets the tone for collaboration and trust, signaling to your team that it’s okay not to have all the answers. In fact, it’s better when you don’t pretend to.  


Leadership isn’t about going it alone. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive—including you. So, the next time you’re stuck or unsure, try something different: ask for help. You might be surprised by the impact it has—not just on you but on your whole team.  

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