Ever noticed how the higher leaders climb, the more they feel they should have all the answers? This dangerous paradox creates isolation exactly when leaders need support most. Drawing from 24 years and over 30,000 hours coaching senior executives, I explore why asking for help isn't weakness—it's the cornerstone of exceptional leadership. Remember the CEO who lost a major contract because he was too afraid to ask questions? His painful realization became a powerful lesson: "I thought asking questions would make me look weak. Instead, not asking questions made me irrelevant." This leadership trap—believing authority means having all the answers—keeps many leaders from reaching their full potential.
I share five critical warning signs that indicate you need help:
1. Facing the same challenges repeatedly,
2. Feeling paralyzed by decisions,
3. Watching your team mirror your stress,
4. Realizing you've stopped learning, and
5. Losing your long-term vision
These aren't signals of inadequacy but opportunities for growth through strategic support. The art of getting the right help is equally crucial. Learn how to build your leadership ecosystem with strategic mentors who see your blind spots, operational specialists who execute while you direct, developmental coaches who build your capacity, and personal supporters who keep you grounded. The strongest leaders I've coached all share one trait: they know leadership isn't about being the smartest person in the room—it's about bringing out the best in everyone, including themselves.
This week, I challenge you to identify one area where you need help right now, find the right person to approach, and actually ask. As leadership challenges grow more complex and change accelerates, no leader can navigate the future alone. Your team, organization, and future self will thank you for having the wisdom to seek support when you need it most.
Leadership Horizons - Helping You Lead Beyond Boundaries
