Not long ago, I was on a call with a client—on the surface, we were talking about a few changes he had on his list. But a few thoughtful questions later, the real dream emerged: he wanted to acquire a managing partner in the next ten years and spend his time hiking outdoors, enjoying the freedom of a retired life rather than living in the weeds of his business.
That moment turned the entire conversation. Suddenly, I wasn’t just helping him get a few things off his desk—I was helping him carve a path to his deeply personal goal.
In a world obsessed with individual achievements, we often forget: the biggest, most lasting success comes when we help others get where they truly want to go.
The Power of Mutual Support
Let me share a quick story from my high school years in Turkey. Most teachers were quick to point out I was destined to fail, but Mr. Halim was different. History wasn’t my strong suit, and honestly, I was pretty checked out in his class. But one day, he pulled me aside—not to scold, but to say:
“I know you can kill it in this class, but something is getting in your way. Let’s chat because I can help.”
That simple offer shifted everything. For the first time, I realized that I didn’t have to figure it all out by myself. I wasn’t alone.
This was Mr. Halim’s approach with every student, and it was almost legendary—kids who struggled everywhere else suddenly did well in his class.
Being truly seen and supported can change someone’s entire trajectory.
Think back—who’s been that person for you? What could it mean to be that person for someone else?
Why Helping Others Helps You
It’s not just about feeling good. Helping others actually transforms your relationships, your workplace, and often, your own opportunities:
- Trust & Loyalty: People stand by those who invest in them. Support breeds advocacy—you become someone others want to refer, work with, and champion.
- Fresh Ideas & Momentum: Collaboration brings new perspectives and creative solutions. You gain access to ideas and energy that you’d never find alone.
- A Reputation That Attracts: Being the person who lifts others up doesn’t go unnoticed. More projects and chances to grow come your way.
- Deeper Leadership: Real support develops your empathy, communication, and vision—qualities every creative leader needs.
💡 Key Insight: According to Deloitte, organizations with leaders who intentionally support and develop others see up to 21% higher profitability and significantly higher team loyalty. In other words: helping others win isn’t a side-effect of leadership—it’s a key ingredient.
Deepening Your Process: Going Beyond the Surface
Let’s ground this in real world.
Say you’re an interior designer with a new client referred your way. The stated goal? A refreshed master suite: more closet space, brighter tones, and a spot to read a book.
On paper, you got the skills and experience to deliver. But probe a bit further: What’s driving this change? Is it about more storage—or a desire to feel relaxed and re-energized at home? Maybe it’s the start of a bigger home refresh. Maybe it’s a quiet space for one partner to escape a noisy household.
When you dig deeper, your solutions become more meaningful, personal, and impactful.
Go Deeper with Your Clients
Years ago, I fixed a computer for a man who lost his as he was going through divorce. He needed his computer to apply for jobs and sure, I fixed it. But I went one step further: tracked down a stellar resume template he could quickly personalize and use to get back out there.
A few weeks later, he returned with a friend—now employed, optimistic, and sending new business my way. Sometimes, helping someone move forward brings you both unexpected rewards.
Now here is one of my favorite memories as a client: when I reached out to Mary and Kylie at Jo Communications for a new logo, I expected a quick, transactional process. Instead, what I got was transformational.
The questions they asked—about why I do what I do, what energy I want to bring into every interaction, how I want people to feel—became something like creative therapy. By the final call, I wasn’t just excited for the new logo; I was genuinely grateful for being so seen, understood, and championed. That’s an experience I’ll never forget—and one most businesses rarely deliver.
📌 Important Note: The best work—design, technology, or leadership—always starts with understanding people on a real level.
Go Deeper with Your Team
After we returned to the office post-Covid and hybrid work was old-news, I considered going all-in on face-to-face time, just like many other businesses. But when I paused to actually listen, I heard how much hybrid work meant to my team.
That wasn’t a small ask—it was a reflection of new values: balance, health, and creative freedom. So we kept the hybrid schedule, invested in everyone’s home setup, and made space for a new rhythm of work to be the norm.
The upside? Our team is more engaged than ever. When you support your team’s evolving goals, you unlock dedication and results you might never get by force.
Go Deeper with Your Colleagues
When I worked at a computer shop years back, my co-worker’s real dream was filmmaking—not fixing PCs. I volunteered extra hours so he could give classes a try.
No one made a big deal about it, but the owner noticed—and I got a raise. My colleague? He went on to start his own video production agency. Decades later, we’re still friends and look back to that day as the starting point of where we are professionally today.
You may never see the impact in the moment, but a small act of support can chart a whole new course—for both of you.
How To Build This into Your Creative Workflow
So how do you make this “go deeper” approach a natural part of your projects?
Start with questions that reveal vision, not just features.
Try asking:
- “What would make you fall in love with this space or project when it’s done?”
- “Is there a mood, feeling, or story you can share to help me understand your vision?”
- “Where do you feel like you need to make compromises because you just don’t think it can be done?
- “Who else (besides you) will be greatly impacted by this project? What matters most to them?”
Then, integrate these check-ins into your process—not just as a one-off, but as part of discovery calls, project reviews, and ongoing team conversations.
You’ll find your connections run deeper, your solutions grow richer, and your work leaves a mark that lasts.
Conclusion: Success Is a Team Sport
Your goals matter—but so do the goals (and dreams) of everyone around you.
Reach out, go one level deeper, and connect with the “why” and “how”—that’s how you craft results that truly move people, and build a web of support strong enough to lift you both.
Wherever your connections stand today, just try going one step further.
You won’t break anything by getting to know the people you work with and for. And if you find no benefit? You can always reset—or better yet, focus on the people who are ready for deeper partnership.
👉 Let’s See It on a Map:
If you want to build more of this into your process, let’s chat about mapping your workflow and integrating the probing questions that reveal what truly drives your audience.
You’ll be amazed by what comes next.
