You need to answer it. And sometimes it rings when we are unprepared or wish they called someone else. We need to respond even when the timing is terrible, we do not want to, or we do not feel suited for the task.
It Rings
We would immediately jump to the aid of a heart attack victim and perform CPR, armed only with the knowledge acquired from Instagram reels. Without a moment’s hesitation and while wearing our Sunday best, we would jump into the deep end of a pool to rescue a drowning child.
In contrast, we can recall too many occasions we failed to act when a friend requested assistance or suffered some hardship because we were too busy or thought we were not close enough to the person, it was not the right time, or did not know the right thing to say or do. We did not respond even though we previously received great comfort from a simple gesture in a similar situation.
Please know that failing to act is not just a lost opportunity but can create an opposite, adverse impression. You will recall my two friends who did not express condolences upon the death of my mother and sister. I would not have remembered their few consoling words, but I have not forgotten their absence. I do not hold a grudge but use the memories to remind me to act in comparable situations.
Wrong Person, Not Me
You will assuredly be drafted into service where you are ill-equipped, but you may be the person uniquely positioned to serve based on a confluence of need and availability. Providence or karma tells us we are placed in the position where needed and will be equipped for the task.
A dear friend in a 12-step program mentioned he did not have a sponsor. This statement instantly raised an alarm as sponsorship is an essential program element. Even though I am disqualified from sponsorship (must be a program participant), I was aware of the immediate, critical need and volunteered to serve as a “monitor.”
With my “but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express” knowledge, I checked in daily with my friend. What I lacked in qualifications, I made up for in inspiration, as he found a sponsor within a week. The situation did not require me to do something I could not do, but what I could do – be actively present until he found what he needed.
Answer It
Remember when you were unemployed, and a colleague answered your email with a referral or even a regret that she did not have the contact you needed? The responses made you feel heard and respected and boosted your spirits. Conversely, you felt abandoned when the people you thought were reliable colleagues did not respond.
Reserve a little time for these requests. Even if you do not have the solution, do not let them leave empty-handed or dispirited. Forward the resume or share the LinkedIn post.
You do not need to adopt a savior complex or engage when unnecessary or where inappropriate. You can render first aid but should not perform field surgery if a hospital is across the street.
Nor am I suggesting you say yes to all comers; the opportunity cost is too high. If I know you or a colleague refers you, I will talk to you about co-packing or share a referral for subjects where I am not “uniquely” qualified, sometimes a week or more after being asked. Otherwise, the request falls victim to higher priorities.
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Be receptive to the needs of others and establish your reputation as one who answers the call.