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How often do people ask for help in your organisation? Or, how often does one department ask for help from another? When did you last ask for help? Asking for help isn't something we are very good at. Given that individual, team, departmental or organisational omnipotence isn't the norm, you might think that help would be asked for more often. "Asking for help and accepting help which is offered sets a different tone. It acknowledges that we, as individuals or organisations, are not all knowing, all powerful." Feeling uncertain, undecided, confused or anxious are states we are all familiar with, but we often worry that, if publicly acknowledged, they will be seen as signs that we are not quite up to the job. At its extreme, this individual and organisational behaviour has severe consequences. We can become isolated and defensive, hiding our problems from others and, often, ourselves. I have seen individuals, teams and organisations close to collapse because, too late in the day, desperation became the spur to act. People who had raised early concerns were sidelined. Data that didn't support an optimistic view was screened out. And performance reporting was partial and, frankly, dishonest. Asking for help and accepting help which is offered sets a different tone. It acknowledges that we, as individuals or organisations, are not all knowing, all powerful. It invites alternative views and approaches. It shows self-awareness and self-confidence, opens things up to wider possibilities, and makes it easier for minority or different views to be heard. An organisation where asking for help is normal and where offers of help are positively received is an organisation built on honest and open relationships, happy to be held to account and more trusted by those who are served by it. Martin Horton is a director at SOLACE Enterprises

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WHITEHALL

Soap Box

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