Season 2, Episode 4: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Ask for Help at Work? Episode DescriptionIs asking for help a sign of weakness—or is it the key to doing great work and being fully human?In this heartfelt episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore why asking for help often feels like failure in today’s work culture—and why that couldn’t be further from the truth.Sparked by a powerful story about Pinaki’s late grandmother (“When you're in trouble, don't sit by yourself”), this conversation dives into the subtle social rules, psychological biases, and cultural expectations that prevent people—especially men, leaders, and high performers—from speaking up when they need support.Together, they unpack:Why asking for help is tied to power dynamics, imposter syndrome, and fear of judgmentHow leaders can make it safer for people to admit they don’t know somethingThe link between help-seeking and collaboration, innovation, and growthHow AI tools are triggering even more “help guilt” in the modern workplaceThe risk of helping too much and enabling dependencyHow to know when to step in—and when to let people grow through struggleThis one is personal, practical, and packed with real-world stories, from fixing dryers to managing emotional labor. Plus, the team closes with their latest segment, Wisdom That Feels So Right, with book, video, and therapy recs that meet you where you are. Timestamps00:00 – Story: Ronnie’s advice from age 96—“Ask for help.”02:00 – Dryer repair, YouTube, and the myth of male competence05:00 – Workplace fears: Looking incompetent, affecting your brand08:00 – Why people hesitate to ask for help (even when they want to)10:00 – Tips for managers: Reframing help as collaboration12:00 – Pressure, workload, and the cost of silence15:00 – Creating psychological safety in 1:1s18:00 – The switch: When “asking for help” suddenly feels weak21:00 – The risk of helping too much—and how it stunts growth24:00 – Leading without stepping on others’ autonomy25:00 – Designing conversations that invite honesty and vulnerability Wisdom That Feels So RightThe Botany of Desire by Michael PollanDaring Greatly and other works by Brené BrownHelp: The Original Human Dilemma by Garret KeizerTherapy and support lines — because real help starts with reaching outSBX Productions for help creating your own podcast Mic-Drop Moments“Individually we’re limited—but together, we’re unlimited.”“Help isn’t a detour—it’s the road to stronger work.”“Sometimes people need to struggle. And sometimes they need to know they’re not alone in it.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special ThanksThank you to Local Wisdom for funding and fostering the conversations that bring more heart to the workplace. Shoutout to Brielle Saracini (producer), and the incredible team at SBX Productions—Vince, Taylor, and Bill—for helping us sound as good as we feel. Share the HelpIf something in this episode moved you, reminded you, or gave you courage—don’t keep it to yourself. Rate, review, share with a friend, or forward to someone who needs a nudge to raise their hand and say, “Hey, I could use a little help.” Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.
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38 mins