Success is often seen as a solo journey—the grit of a determined individual achieving greatness through their own efforts. Yet, history and modern business stories alike show that the ability to receive help is just as critical as giving it. In fact, accepting assistance can be the key to unlocking opportunities, strengthening relationships, and accelerating growth.
Make others feel good
Accepting help is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of connection. When you allow someone to lend a hand, it validates their expertise and generosity. Harvard Business Review explains that people feel valued when their help is accepted, enhancing trust and camaraderie. For instance, when Richard Branson built Virgin Atlantic, he reached out to Boeing for a lease deal to help launch his airline. By accepting their support, Branson not only secured crucial resources but also built lasting goodwill with industry partners.
Think of receiving help as a way to empower others. Allowing someone to contribute to your success reflects humility and builds mutual respect—qualities that are indispensable in any professional or personal endeavour.
Be generous with your own knowledge too.
Open up opportunities
Many of the world’s most successful ventures started with collaborative efforts. A classic example is Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak (known as Woz). Jobs knew that Wozniak’s technical brilliance complemented his vision for Apple. By working together and leaning on each other’s strengths, they created a company that reshaped technology.
In business, accepting help often opens doors to new possibilities. Collaboration can introduce fresh ideas, diversify perspectives, and lead to innovative solutions that you might never have considered on your own. For example, partnerships between smaller firms and larger corporations can provide access to markets, funding, or expertise that would otherwise be unattainable.
Build authentic relationships
Receiving help fosters authentic relationships built on trust and mutual respect. The strongest professional networks are those that go beyond transactional exchanges. By showing vulnerability and accepting assistance, you allow for deeper connections that are more likely to stand the test of time.
Consider LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, who frequently credits the mentorship and support of others for his success. In his book The Start-Up of You, Hoffman discusses how embracing the help of others, whether through advice or partnership, is central to achieving goals.
Real relationships aren’t about always appearing self-reliant. By asking for and accepting help, you demonstrate your humanity and invite meaningful collaboration.
Be prepared to collaborate
Collaboration is the cornerstone of accepting help effectively. It requires clear communication, openness to feedback, and a willingness to share credit. A powerful example of this is the partnership between Spotify and music labels. Spotify’s founders realised that creating a sustainable music streaming platform meant working alongside record labels rather than competing with them. By accepting their input and forging mutually beneficial agreements, Spotify not only built a successful business but also transformed the way we experience music.
Similarly, small business owners often find success by joining forces with like-minded entrepreneurs. Coworking spaces, joint marketing efforts, and knowledge-sharing forums have all proven to be effective ways of pooling resources and expertise.
Another great example of successful collaboration that benefits all contributors is a collaborative book. Fab Collab was co-authored by 12 successful business women, each sharing their stories and guidance on the benefits of collaboration. Seemly very different business owners, such as Tracey Barr’s Strategic Link created a best selling book.
Examples of accepting help that accelerated growth
Some of the most inspiring stories of success involve individuals and businesses who knew when to say “yes” to assistance:
- Oprah Winfrey: Early in her career, Oprah accepted guidance from veteran television executives who helped her hone her on-screen presence and develop her brand. By embracing their mentorship, she built an empire that continues to thrive
- Tesla: Elon Musk’s electric car company benefited from significant government subsidies and collaborations with suppliers in its early days. Accepting this help allowed Tesla to scale production and become a global leader in the automotive industry
- Slack: Before becoming the workplace communication giant it is today, Slack’s team sought feedback from potential users during its beta phase. By accepting constructive criticism and iterating based on suggestions, Slack refined its product into a tool loved by millions
Embrace the power of receiving
Success is rarely achieved in isolation. Whether it’s a mentor offering advice, a partner sharing resources, or a friend lending moral support, accepting help can propel you forward in ways you might not anticipate. By fostering authentic relationships, remaining open to collaboration, and recognising the value of others’ contributions, you position yourself for lasting growth.
As author Simon Sinek, known widely for ‘The Golden Circle model wisely said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” Accepting help is a form of leadership in itself—an acknowledgment that success is a shared endeavour.
