The Power of Saying ‘I Don’t Know’


Dear Reader,

Recently, a senior-level client confided in me about a challenge she was facing. Despite being highly skilled and accomplished, she was struggling with some advanced Excel functions, an essential part of her role. She felt embarrassed to ask for help, worried it might make her seem less capable.

We explored her options, and she decided to approach a trusted colleague to walk her through the specific functions she needed to learn.

But then, she took it a step further: at her next staff meeting, she shared her challenge with the group, admitting she could use a refresher.

The result? A wave of agreement around the table. It turned out many of her colleagues were also struggling with Excel but hadn’t spoken up. They ended up organizing a team-wide refresher session, turning her moment of vulnerability into a learning opportunity for everyone.

Here’s the takeaway: Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an act of leadership. It reminds us (and our teams) that we’re human, and it fosters an environment where others feel safe to share their struggles too.

So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, consider this:

➡️ Who can you ask for help?

➡️ What’s the worst that could happen?

➡️ What’s the best outcome you can imagine?

You might be surprised at how asking for help creates a ripple effect, sparking connection, growth, and collaboration.

Here’s to embracing vulnerability and showing our teams what real leadership looks like.

Have you ever had a moment where asking for help turned into something bigger than you expected? I’d love to hear about it. Hit reply and share your story!

With ease, Tracy


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I offer 1:1 coaching, group coaching, team facilitation, and public speaking, and tailor offerings to the specific needs of you/your workplace. ​Contact me to learn more​.


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Hi! I'm Tracy, an Executive and Leadership Coach.

Learn how to lead effortlessly by establishing boundaries, collaborting with people with different work styles, and making delegation easier, all while lowering stress and feeling confident in any role, based on my experience as both a long-time executive and a certified executive and leadership coach.

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