The 7 Secrets of Neuron Leadership

Chapter 13Our Helpers

The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.

—ALBERT SCHWEITZER

Before we dive into the next chapter, it's important that we first understand how to ask for help and from where we should seek advice and support (Figure 13.1). We learned in the Needs chapter that we must accept that our needs are real, important, and justified. We must also take responsibility for meeting our own needs, and not expect others to do for us what we can do for ourselves. Our subordinates, customers, employer, boss, parents, spouse, government, or anyone else is not responsible for ensuring that our every need is met.

Figure 13.1 Our Helpers

Source: Nelosa, Dreamstime.com.

Fortunately, we are not required to face every hardship alone. We have help, and we can and should turn to that help when it's justified. Constructing a safe and useful support system is vitally important, and not without risk. Not all the input received will be true or optimal, and not all our sources will have our best interests at heart. We need to discern the difference between beneficial and detrimental feedback, and between trustworthy, honest, and caring sources as opposed to those with agendas or unhealthy outlooks on life.

Also, just because a quote, a passage, a chapter, a psychologist, a suggestion, or a course of action worked well for someone else ...