An Ever-Present Help

Scripture is clear that we always can come to God, who is an ever-present help. We, however, often drop the ball when it comes to responding to asks. This episode stresses the importance of paying attention and responding to the effort people make to put themselves out there.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - Companies are becoming more human-centric and mental health is coming to the fore. More leaders are trying to take care of their mental health.

[01:44] - There’s a push to normalize the ask in mental health. There’s no question that we can ask God for anything at any time, although He might simply decline our request.

[02:53] - We can get disconnected from people so that, even if people come to us and say what they want or need, we drop the ball.

[03:37] - Don’t let the ball drop after the ask, and don’t assume someone’s grit will carry them through. They need someone to open doors, and how you react to their ask makes a difference.

[04:21] - Composer Aaron Copland went to bat for Leonard Bernstein. Their story demonstrates the difference it can make when someone who already has clout listens and advocates.

[06:00] - You have an obligation to at least listen for asks. Being intentional about helping is important because people don’t always know where they need to be. They need your expertise to sort it out.

[07:09] - Like all leaders, you have a choice about whether to help.

[08:16] - Prayer

[09:10] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

• As businesses become more transparent, leaders are working hard to fight mental health stigmas. They are becoming more willing to participate in activities that support their well-being or the well-being of others.
• As part of current mental health campaigns, organizations are encouraging people to speak up and ask for help. 
• God is always willing to hear our ask. He pays attention to our needs and desires constantly.
• It can be difficult to respond to asks and help others in the modern office. Your challenge, however, is not to drop the ball.
• The story of Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein is an excellent example of a leader being responsive and helping someone else.
• You have an obligation to look for the asks, not just because people are still getting comfortable coming to others, but also because your expertise might show you what might be good for others to try and do. 
• Follow God’s example of being a help wherever you can. Don’t assume that other people will make it just on their own grit.

Relevant Links:

New Survey Says CEOs Really Do Care About Their Mental Health

Letter from Aaron Copland to Andre Kostelanetz, September 3, 1942

Why Grit Alone Won’t Get You Success (and What Else You Need)

CTAs:

• Pay attention for indirect and direct asks, and follow God’s example of being a help wherever you can.
• Visit patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member of the show.

What’s coming up next:

Only a small number of brands can be considered “legacy” brands--most are lucky to last just a few years. Episode 13 of the podcast explores how to connect with your history and tell your story in a way that ensures multi-generational success.