Too many leaders and professionals fall into the trap of believing they must solve every problem alone.

In reality, the ability to reach out often—to ask for help, to listen deeply, and to offer support—is one of the most overlooked leadership superpowers.

When we break down ego, embrace vulnerability, and build trust, we transform from isolated achievers into unstoppable teams.

The Power of Connectedness

On Episode 71 of the Connected Teamwork Podcast, hosts Hylke Faber and Carson V. Heady unpacked one of the most vital team connectedness practices: Reach Out Often.

It’s simple, but it’s not easy—especially in a world that celebrates self-reliance and rewards the lone-wolf hero.

They argue that thriving organizations are not built by individuals who hoard knowledge or carry burdens alone, but by those who cultivate interdependence, empower others to help, and create a culture where vulnerability is strength.

“There is a space between a crisis and our impulse to act. If we can broaden that gap, we can choose with a clearer head—and often that means reaching out.” – Carson Heady

Why Don’t We Reach Out?Early Conditioning: From school days, we’re taught that asking for help is weakness. Grades, competition, and comparison foster separation.Ego and Fear: Leaders often feel they must have all the answers. Asking for help feels like admitting incompetence.Cultural Barriers: Some workplaces still reward individual results over collaboration.

But the cost of not reaching out is high—stress, burnout, siloed teams, and missed opportunities.

Key Quotes to Remember“Never go down alone.” – Carson Heady“We are wired to be of service. More often than not, when you ask for help, you’ll hear yes.” – Hylke Faber“As leaders, you don’t have to know everything. You want to be relatable more than invincible.” – Carson Heady“Reaching out is not just for yourself—it gives others the chance to fulfill their purpose by serving.” – Hylke FaberPractical Steps You Can Take Today1. Build Your Personal “Board of Support”Identify 3–5 trusted allies in your organization.Tell them explicitly: “I’ll be reaching out this month. I trust you, and I value your perspective.”This sets permission and expectation, lowering the barrier when help is needed.2. Make Reaching Out a MuscleLike going to the gym, practice asking for help regularly.Set a personal “reps” goal—at least two meaningful outreach moments per month.Track it. Hold yourself accountable, just like any other KPI.3. Lead with ListeningAs a manager, don’t feel compelled to have all the answers.Instead, tap into the superpowers of your team. Ask:4. Balance Help with OwnershipDon’t outsource your responsibilities. Ask for input, but still take action.Avoid overdependence by pairing requests with clear next steps.Stay accountable for outcomes, not just conversations.5. Normalize Collaboration in CultureRecognize and reward collaboration, not just individual performance.Share best practices openly.Celebrate stories of people helping each other succeed.Bullet Points Leaders Should Apply ImmediatelyStop glorifying the lone wolf; make “never go down alone” your mantra.Define and communicate your inner circle—your personal board of advisors.Treat reaching out like a skill: practice it until it becomes second nature.Ask better questions: “What looks like help right now?”Build credibility and trust with your team before you need to ask for help.Remember: offering help is just as powerful as asking for it.Balance reliance on others with accountability for results.Create rhythms that foster open collaboration without overloading meetings.Be the cultural catalyst. One person’s openness can start a movement.

When leaders normalize reaching out, they transform teams from groups of individuals into powerful collectives. Vulnerability stops being weakness and becomes the glue of trust.

“The reasons we don’t reach out are usually about ourselves, our ego, and our fear. The gains from reaching out—trust, wisdom, and momentum—far outweigh the risks.” – Carson Heady

What’s one area in your work or life where you’ve been carrying the weight alone—and who will you reach out to today?