Matthew 7:7 reads:  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”(NIV)

I was always fascinated by this line for a variety of reasons, including the fact that seeking and knocking start with the curiosity of asking  – and when taking the first letters of the three pieces of advice: ask, seek, knock – you get ask.

So what are you asking  for?

Let me give you a short list of things to consider asking for.

Ask for information.

Ask for ideas.

Ask for an opportunity.

Ask for the sale.

Ask for help.

Ask if people need help.

Ask for forgiveness.

Ask for clarification.

Ask for what you want.

Ask for feedback.

Asking can be an act of daring, but think about how any/all of these questions can make you a more effective human being and leader.

Questions help us learn.

Questions engage others.

Questions make us more real and authentic.

Asking is powerful.

What are you asking for today?

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, and co-founder of Claridus. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, to become better leaders, communicators, change agents, team members and more.

He has written, co-authored or contributed to nearly 20 books, including Flexible Leadership, From Bud to Boss, The Long-Distance thee book series and Remarkable Leadership. His LinkedIn Learning courses have helped over 1 million professionals around the world become more confident and successful.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been named four times as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog and podcast are among the most influential in the leadership space.