How Can I Help?

I want to influence culture instead of letting culture influence me. Despite this intent, I’ve learned that I can’t live my life with blinders. While I want to be influential, I need to be open to how I might be STRETCHED by the world around me – and that includes the culture.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
This week, I was folding laundry while Leanne was working on grad school homework. While I was folding clothes and sorting socks, I turned on a new NBC television show, New Amsterdam. In the show (inspired by a true story), Dr. Max Goodwin (played by Ryan Eggold) takes over New Amsterdam, a not-for-profit hospital in New York City. Dr. Goodwin introduces himself to the hospital staff by asking a simple question: “How can I help?”
The rest of this episode (Pilot) introduces viewers to various characters and their stories while watching Dr. Goodwin repeatedly ask this question.
Believe it or not, this time of multi-tasking (folding laundry and watching television) had a profound impact on me.
I’ve always tried to be helpful – especially as a leader. But if I’m honest (which I try to be), I don’t always think about what others need. I don’t always ask how I can help. I sometimes become self-absorbed caught up in my own list of things I want to accomplish or attend to each day. I miss out on the real needs of my team members.
This is not good, and it’s not the way I want to lead.
I want to have a “How can I help” mindset.
On Friday at the office, I repeatedly asked this question as I interacted with my co-workers and customers. It was refreshing. I felt a renewed sense of connection with my job, my team, and my mission. I rediscovered a new passion for my role as a leader in my organization.
As you head into the work week, I challenge you to ask this question at least once a day. And when you ask how you can help be sure to listen to the response. Then go do what you can do to help.
How can I help you?
Seriously, what can I do for you? How can I help you become a better person? How can I help you stretch? How can I help you?
Leave your response below (or feel free to reach out to me privately). I’d love to help you!