Theory
Support system refers to the group of people to whom we go and ask
for assistance to sort out our problems. The people in our support system,
not only support us, but also shower their care and respect for us. They are
people who have concern for us and have our best interest in their mind.
They provide us with genuine constructive feedback, advice and
suggestions to get us out of our problems and ensure our growth.
Our support system usually includes our family, friends, colleagues and
coaches. We humans living in the world require different types of support.
1. Emotional Support- An expression of empathy- love, care, trust. We get
emotional support usually from our family and friends.
2. Instrumental Support- Tangible aid and services. Also referred to as
practical support. This comes usually from family and friends.
3. Informational Support- Advice, Suggestions, Education- We derive it
from colleagues and coaches.
4. Disclosure Support- Constructive feedback, helpful in self evaluation.
Our friends, coaches and colleagues provide us such support.
However, let us not forget that people are not the lone support system that
human beings enjoy. There are a whole lot of other support systems for the
modern man.
It could be
1. Technology- Internet, Gadgets, Applications, Television, Automobiles and
other things which make our life easy and convenient.
2. The beliefs- Our faith, trust and belief are also some kind of self support
system in place.
3. Passion- The activity which we do, which we like, which lets us gets so
engrossed without any distractions are also supportive in nature.
4. Places- There are places where we would like to be, at times and during
seasons which fetches us a mind of serenity is also a form of support.
Ways to strengthen our support system.
1. Strengthen emotional bonding with family and friends.
2. Be a part of someone else’s support system to ensure that reciprocity
works.
3. Expand your professional networks.
4. Find great mentors and superb coaches.
5. Collaborate with neighbours and co workers.
Story
Raghav was known in his office as “Mr. Independent.”He had a favourite saying
that he repeated to anyone who’d listen “If you want something done right, do it
yourself!”He wore his self-reliance like a badge of honour. He worked long hours,
never asked for help, and took pride in solving problems solo, while others built
teams, Raghav built walls.
One fine Saturday morning, as fate would have it, his car broke down right in
front of his apartment. He opened the bonnet, stared at the engine (which looked
more like a puzzle than machinery), and decided, “I’ll fix this myself.”An hour
later, his face was greasy, his patience gone, and the car, still dead.Out of
frustration, he kicked the tyre and his foot hurt more than the car.
His neighbour, Meera, who was watering plants nearby, called out, “Need help,
Raghav?”He smiled awkwardly, “No, no! I’ve got this, just a small issue.” Five
minutes later, the “small issue” had turned into a big embarrassment. The car
started rolling backward slowly down the slope and Raghav, in panic, tried to stop
it alone! He pushed, strained, and shouted, but the car didn’t budge. Hearing the
commotion, Meera dropped her watering can and called out to the security guard
and a few neighbours.
Within moments, four people rushed over. Together, they pushed the car safely
back into place. Raghav stood there panting, covered in sweat, looking at the
group of people smiling at him. Meera laughed, “See? Sometimes four hands do
better than two. And ten hands do miracles.”He smiled sheepishly, “I guess I
should’ve called for help sooner.”She winked, “You think?”
That evening, as Raghav sat with a cup of tea, the moment kept replaying in his
head. He thought about all the times he had refused help, not because he didn’t
have any, but because he thought asking for it made him weak. He realized
something profound, strength doesn’t mean carrying everything yourself. It
means having the courage to share the load.
The next day at work, something changed. He began involving his teammates
more, asking for opinions, and sharing responsibilities. To his surprise, the results
improved faster, better, and with far less stress.
One day, when a junior asked him, “Sir, what made you change your
approach?”Raghav laughed, “A car, a slope, and a bruised foot.”
Learning
No one succeeds alone. Behind every achievement lies an unseen circle of
support like friends, family, mentors, and colleagues who lift us when we stumble.
Building a support system doesn’t make us dependent; it makes us
interdependent, which is the true strength of life. Just as a tree stands tall
because of its roots, we grow strong because of the people who ground us, guide
us, and give us shade when the sun burns too bright. The wise never walk alone,
not because they can’t, but because they know the journey is richer, lighter, and
more meaningful when shared.
Activity
Enlist few strategies to build up your support system
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Quote
“You can’t achieve anything entirely by yourself. There is a basic support
system that is a basic requirement of human existence. To be happy and
successful on earth, you just have to have people that you rely on “. ~
Michael Schur
Takeaways
1. Support system refers to the group of people to whom we go and ask for
assistance to sort out our problems. The people in our support system, not
only support us, but also shower their care and respect for us.
2. Implement the 5 point strategy to strengthen your support system.