How often do we say that to others, but then don't ask for or accept help ourselves? It may seem self-sacrificing and admirable, but actually it equates to talking one way but acting in another way. This kind of contradiction degrades the psychological safety around you, and sends a subtle signal that it's actually not OK to ask for help.

After all, if it was really OK - then why don't you ask for help?It is very important to demonstrate the safety of asking for help, by actually asking for help! And by giving help to the people around us when they ask. We’re very passionate about strengthening that culture within our club, the spirit of lending a helping hand.

So a few weeks ago Club Vice President - Melissa Dor posted a call-out at work during an agency-wide live broadcast, and said that our club is looking for outdoor volunteering opportunities on weekends. From that seed, on Thursday a colleague from another office (who she had never met) reached out to me to ask for help.

Her name is Clare, she works part time and cares for her elderly mother who is suffering from dementia. She asked for help with cleaning our her gutters. Normally, she gets on her ladder and does this herself. But with everything on her plate, it's something she would really appreciate a helping hand with.

As a Rotarians we consider ourselves to be servants of the community, so of course we will help Clare, and spread this message that It's OK to ask for help.