Almost 30 years ago, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, shared a valuable lesson that still resonates today. In a classic interview from 1994, Jobs talked about a particular habit that successful people have. It’s a habit that separates those who take action from those who only dream.
Let’s go back in time to a moment when Steve Jobs was just 12 years old. He did something brave – he made a phone call. But it wasn’t just any call; he called Bill Hewlett, the co-founder of Hewlett-Packard. Jobs asked for spare parts to build a frequency counter. To his surprise, Hewlett gave him the details and offered him a summer job at HP. Jobs was overjoyed, feeling like he was in a magical place.
The important lesson here is about asking for what you want. Jobs learned this lesson early on, and it became a crucial part of his success.
Jump to today, and we see a similar pattern. Many hesitate to ask for help or what they need, especially at work. Research from Harvard Business Review reveals that a large portion of the service we give to each other starts with someone asking for it.
But there’s a problem – many folks hold back from asking because they worry about how it might be received. Managers and bosses often don’t encourage this behavior, so things usually stay the same.
So, here’s the question: Is your workplace one where people feel comfortable asking for help? Here’s a solution: introduce something called a “reciprocity ring.”
Imagine this as a give-and-take circle. You help someone, and they help another person, and maybe that help comes back to you someday. This cycle makes asking for help more accessible and more effective.
Here’s how it works: gather a group, and share what you need. It could be finding a skilled person for a project or getting advice. Others in the group offer solutions, ideas, or connections. It’s a supportive network.
Wayne and Cheryl Baker introduced this idea, and Adam Grant, an expert on organizational psychology, built upon it. They even made a platform called “Givitas” to make it simple for companies.
And what happens when people start helping each other? It creates a sense of community, boosts productivity, encourages learning, and builds trust. It all starts with asking.
Remember, when successful people want something, they’re not afraid to ask for it. If a young Steve Jobs could do it, so can you. Don’t be shy – ask!
