“How can I help?”
It’s a thoughtful, generous question to ask someone taking on a challenge and communicates your intent to support them in their efforts. However, in some contexts, it can be a difficult question for the person to answer, particularly as it’s centered on you, not them.
Sometimes, the best way to help and show your support for someone else is to take yourself out of the equation and ask a question that is centered on the other person and invites them to widen their aperture. Here are some examples:
- “What do you need to help you succeed?”
- “What would be most helpful for you?”
- “What kind of support do you need to move forward?”
The person may answer that they need your help, or you may have already helped just by asking one of these questions and providing an opportunity for them to consider the broader needs that are crucial to their success.
