by by Danielle Golinski, Elon University
Let’s play a game between you and an imaginary partner. I want you to close your fist as hard as you can in your right hand. Squeeze it. Keep squeezing. Squeeze it even tighter. Your partner’s job is to now try to open your fist in any means possible. You have 45 seconds. Go!
Using your imagination, what do you think would happen? Would your partner use their strength and power to try to open your hand? Would they try to tickle you to see if you would budge? Would they try to claw one finger at a time away from your palm? Would they give up after 15 seconds and realize that it’s impossible and an awkward game?
Now, in this scenario, what is one thing that didn’t happen? What is one thing that may not have come to your mind right away, just like it didn’t come to my mind for the first time that I did this activity with a stranger at a conference. (Yes, it was really awkward!) Did you consider asking the other person to open their hand? Asking for help was something that never even crossed my mind in the heat of the game. Interesting.
Especially in new situations, it is easy to get caught up and maybe a little asking-for-help-shy. We’ve all been there. When starting a new role – job, internship, or a new group project – it’s important to think outside the box, and use your voice to gain clarification, understand instructions better, or to ask for help. It’s okay to ask for help, I promise! Ask for feedback, ask for support, ask early so that you don’t have to re-do a project all over again. Ask your supervisor or manager, ask a colleague, ask a mentor, ask a career advisor, ask a friend.
In closing, think about a specific recent situation where you’ve fought over and over to open up a hypothetical fist. Bring it into focus really clearly. Now, if you are to do this experience again, how could – or can you – open your options, and simply ask for the issue to open its hand. Now, apply it. Make it happen and use your beautiful voice to ask for a bit of help. It’s okay, I promise!
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As the Assistant Director of Career Services for the Love School of Business at Elon University (Elon, North Carolina), Danielle meets with students to support their professional and career goals. She enjoys getting to know students as a well-rounded, talented individuals while exploring their interests, strengths, and values. Danielle collaborates with faculty and staff throughout the business school to provide career-related programs and presentations.
As an advisor she works with students from all majors to help them set and reach their career goals. She supports students through conversations revolving around resume and cover letter development, networking and personal branding, creating strategies for the job and internship search, interview assistance, and professional and dining etiquette.
Outside of Elon, Danielle loves running, teaching group fitness classes, trying new and unique recipes, listening to country music, and spending as much time outside as possible.
