Why do some people see asking for help as discouraging – part 4

In reason 4 of this series called ‘Why do some people see asking for help as discouraging’; I want to look at the hang-up called ‘not invented here’.

The ‘not invented here’ complex is a term used to describe the situation where a unique solution is ignored, simply because it has been proposed by an ‘outsider’. Now a question; how is it that a person not associated with the problem directly cannot help an organization grow and develop? It occurs to me that fresh eyes involved in a difficult situation may just be the person to uncover ideas that have been either ignored or not seen.

Ignoring an idea from someone who is not from your own organization or unit, does not make sense to me. This is because of a quotation by Thomas Edison, he stated “I start where the last man left off.” To me this means after you’ve gleaned or collected ideas from one person, begin from that point. What a concept in growth and innovation!

The ‘not invented here’ syndrome is sometimes also referred to as the ‘Toothbrush theory’. This is because a better answer to your problem is a bit like a toothbrush. This is because everybody wants one, everybody needs one, but nobody wants to use someone else’s.

Albert Einstein has the best answer for this syndrome or belief, he stated; “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

I hope you’ve enjoyed this 4-part series. If you or know of someone who is need to some assistance in overcoming their belief that asking for help is discouraging and a professional weakness, let them know about me.

If you want to take care of a problem or issue in your life, and are willing to look outside the narrow box of your present thoughts don’t hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at 519-539-5327 or tim@theresiliencedoctor.com