Steve Jobs, the fiercely independent co-founder of Apple, is often celebrated for his self-reliance and the drive to accomplish things on his own. However, Jobs himself believed that too much independence could limit success. He recognized that asking for help was an essential part of achieving greatness.

The Power of Asking for Help

Jobs was an advocate for the idea that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a path to success. As he put it:
“I’ve never found anyone that didn’t want to help me if I asked them for help.”
This mindset began early in Jobs’ life. At just 12 years old, Jobs reached out to Bill Hewlett, the co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, asking for spare parts to build a frequency counter. Hewlett not only gave him the parts but also offered him a job that summer. Jobs reflected on this experience, saying:
“Most people never pick up the phone and call. Most people never ask … and that’s what separates, sometimes, the people who do things from the people who just dream about them.”

This lesson in reaching out became a cornerstone of his entrepreneurial philosophy. Jobs understood that success often hinges on the willingness to ask for help and build connections.

A Game-Changing Example: The First iPhone

Jobs’ belief in asking for help was exemplified during the development of the first iPhone. When an early prototype’s hard-coated plastic screen scratched after just one day of use, Jobs could have relied on Apple’s resources to resolve the issue. But instead, he called Wendell Weeks, the CEO of Corning Glass, and explained the problem. As Jobs recounted:
“We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Through this collaboration, Corning’s Gorilla Glass was incorporated into the iPhone, which became a revolutionary product. Jobs’ approach wasn’t just about asking for help—it was about asking the right people with the right expertise.

Overcoming Vulnerability

Asking for help can make us feel vulnerable or even fearful of rejection. Jobs himself admitted the emotional challenge of putting oneself out there. In a personal anecdote, I shared my hesitation about requesting blurbs from authors Adam Grant and Ryan Holiday for my book. I was afraid of being turned down, and the thought of potential rejection was uncomfortable. But ultimately, I realized:
“Not asking would have guaranteed not getting.”
By taking the risk, I succeeded in receiving their blurbs, just as Jobs did when he reached out to Wendell Weeks. The fear of failure often holds us back, but Jobs reminded us that being willing to fail is part of the process of achieving success.

The Importance of Relationships

Jobs’ experience with Corning highlights another key point: asking for help fosters strong, lasting relationships. This relationship with Weeks, built on trust and mutual respect, didn’t just help Jobs at the time—it became a foundational part of Apple’s success. Jobs said:
“If you’re afraid of failing, you won’t get very far.”
By reaching out for help, you’re not just getting what you need—you’re also allowing others to make a difference. This exchange often leads to deeper, more meaningful connections that can help propel both individuals forward.

The Takeaway: No One Does It Alone

In the end, Jobs’ approach to asking for help reinforces the idea that success is rarely a solo endeavor. No one achieves greatness entirely on their own. As Jobs famously said:
“You’ve gotta act. And you have to be willing to fail … with people on the phone, with starting a company.”
Success often starts with the courage to ask for help, forming relationships that can lead to incredible results. By reaching out, you can unlock opportunities that might not otherwise be available—and build partnerships that last for a lifetime.

Jobs’ philosophy underscores that the ability to ask for help is not only essential for personal growth but is also a critical factor in the success of any entrepreneur or business leader. So, don’t hesitate to ask—it could be the first step toward your next breakthrough.