Hello. Coach Charlotte here, and welcome to The Resilient Leader, a weekly video message providing inspiration and encouragement for leaders.
This week's topic, roadside assistance.
Who do you call when you're stuck? Have you ever been driving down the road and suddenly had a flat tire, engine trouble, or some other issue that left you stranded? We usually think to ourselves, "Who can I call?" Most of us understand the value of roadside assistance when we're traveling, but what about when you're leading? What about when we're facing a difficult decision, a business challenge, a team conflict, a financial setback, or even a personal struggle?
Many leaders find themselves stuck because they try to solve every problem alone. Or maybe they're not humble. They don't want to share the problem with anyone else and don't want anyone to know their business. I can relate to that.
The reality is that leadership was never intended to be a solo journey. So what should we do when we find ourselves stuck?
One thing we can do is ask for help sooner. One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is waiting too long to ask for help. The problem only grows. Sometimes it's pride. Maybe it's fear. We might think we should already have known the answer. Or we're just so busy, we keep putting it off. But the longer we wait, again, the bigger the problem often becomes. Then we end up stranded on the side of the road. Strong leaders understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It's actually a sign of wisdom and strength. The sooner we seek advice, the sooner we can gain perspective and begin to move forward. So remember, ask for help sooner.
In addition to that, leverage mentors, coaches, and advisors. When you're stuck on the side of the road, you can call someone who knows how to help. They have experience. The same principle applies in leadership and business. Every successful leader I know has benefited from the wisdom, experience, and insight of others. Mentors and coaches help us avoid mistakes and uncover blind spots. They help us see options we may not have considered. Sometimes, one conversation can save months of frustration. Build relationships with people whose wisdom can help you navigate difficult seasons. So remember to leverage those mentors, coaches, and advisors.
Also, build your support network before you need it. The best time to build relationships is before the crisis arrives. Don't wait until the wagon breaks down to start looking for help. Invest in relationships now. Participate in professional groups, attend networking events, join leadership communities, develop trusted relationships with people who can encourage you, challenge you, and support you. And of course, hire a coach. What would it look like if you had one on speed dial? Why haven't you done it? "It's too expensive. Is it worth it?" These are all the questions I hear. When challenges arise, and they will, you'll already know who to call.
If you're feeling stuck today, let me encourage you. You don't have to figure out everything all at once, and you don't have to do it alone. Ask for help sooner. Learn from mentors, coaches, and trusted advisors, and build a support network before you need it, because even the strongest leaders need roadside assistance.
The question isn't whether you'll face challenges. The question is whether you're surrounding yourself with the right people to help you navigate them. As John Maxwell says, "One is too small of a number to achieve greatness."
If you considered a coaching relationship, I'd love to jump on a complimentary call with you. Even a once-a-month coaching relationship is sustainable and economical in the long run. If you had a free one-hour coaching session, what's one thing you would like to work on? I want to hear from you.
Have an amazing week, my friends. Let's set up that call.