Guest post: “The first rule of holes: When you're in one, stop digging."

by Phil Clemens, Chairman and CEO of the Clemens Family Corporation

On Ground Hog Day, Punxsutawney Phil came out of his hole to predict if spring is just around the corner of if winter will still have its grip on us. For groundhogs, a hole in the ground is their home; for leaders a hole takes on a totally different meaning.

If you’re in a hole in generally means that you stuck and can’t move either forward or backward. Sometimes we get into holes that have been dug by others; other holes are ones that we have dug ourselves and then slip into them – or we have spun our tires and created a hole. Either way – you are stuck.

“The first rule of holes: When you're in one, stop digging."
--Molly Ivans 

What is the natural thing to do when you’re in a hole? Start digging yourself out. However, Molly Ivans says we need to stop digging. Why? Making the hole either bigger or deeper does not enhance your chance of getting out – in fact it just makes it worse. What do you need? Help from someone who is willing to come along side of you to either push or pull you out. Rarely can you get out of a hole without help.

Many leaders are often too proud to ask for help and sometimes even too proud to accept help if it is offered. Leaders solve problems – even getting out of a hole. They keep digging thinking that they are the only one that can solve any problem. Pride blinds them from seeing what they really need – HELP. Great leaders know when they need help and don’t mind asking and accepting help. Asking and accepting help is a sign of strength; not weakness.

Are you stuck in a hole today? Are you willing to get and accept help or are you determined to “do it myself”? Or if you see someone else is stuck, do you laugh at them and continue on your merry way – because it’s not your job to help others.

Great leaders know when someone else is stuck (they are constantly looking out for others) and are willing to help get that person back on the path – even if it isn’t their job or if it changes their plans. They are willing to give of their time and resources to help others. It is just the right thing to do.