I spend a lot of time coaching people on how to ask for help without sounding dumb.  I’m a firm believer in getting the help you need upfront instead of spinning your wheels on the backend- 2:00 am alone in the office is never fun (banker flashback). 

So I love this quote from Michael Wilbon, an ESPN commentator and sports writer, who was working on an article in the early 1980s and needed some help.  His boss ordered him to call former Boston Celtic’s coach and basketball legend Red Auerbach.  Wilbon said he might as well have been asked to call God.  Wilbon started off the conversation by apologizing for interrupting Red’s evening at home, to which Red responded “kid, if it’s a choice between interrupting me or writing something stupid, call.” 

What an amazingly generous response!  Wilbon went on to say that he took Red up on the offer periodically over the ensuing years.  Think about Red the next time someone asks you for help or assistance-if you’re in a rush, you’re on a deadline, you’re not interested, take a minute and remember that it could very well be you next time on the other end in need of help.  

Sports fan bonus: Boston.com Sports