Scene 1
I was talking to my colleague who delivers a lot of internal trainings and loves doing these. I asked her a lot of people deliver trainings in this company and what differentiates you from others? She did not have a specific answer.
I told her to send out mandatory feedback forms after each training about what worked and what did not. She was hesitant to ask people at first, but mustered the courage to do so. Result? She now gets positive feedback which she can share as success stories and areas of improvement that she can work on to become a better trainer.
She can now clearly differentiate herself from most other trainers in the company. Unique success stories. And also meticulous work in incorporating all the feedback.
Scene 2
A colleague was looking for a mentor. He had no idea where to find one. He was afraid to ask around because what if they rejected?
I suggested that if someone rejected, it is no worse than what it is today. If someone agreed, it will be a lot better. Asked him to reach out to few directors who knew him and see how it goes.
Result… He found a mentor in his 2nd attempt and is working with a director on his career plans and actions.
Takeaway
Many a times we are extremely hesitant to ask. The important thing to understand is that any outcome is better or equal to what it is today. What is the harm in asking then? Start asking and see what how it changes your life.