Sometimes the best career lessons come from unexpected places. This weekend, while preparing for a formal event, I learned about growth and innovation from an unlikely source. I knew I needed professional help to look my best, so I booked a full day of beauty appointments. What unfolded was a perfect example of what happens when people create an environment where everyone can grow and learn.

Setting the Stage

I have the honor of serving on the Executive Board of the Junior League of the Woodlands, and we just celebrated our 35th Anniversary with a celebration dinner. When I say celebration, I mean a formal affair where we awarded a $35,000 grant to a local non-profit (chosen from over 30 applications by our almost-1000 members). The catch? It called for gowns and fancy hair and makeup - things I'm definitely not great at.

Here's the thing - my mom wore Converse every day and never shaved her legs as a feminist point of pride. Let's just say my upbringing didn't exactly prepare me for some of the situations I find myself in as a board member. So I took the day off and made appointments for the full treatment: nails, hair, and makeup.

The Courage to Ask for Help

At the nail place, I asked for cat eye nails - this super cool technique where they use special polish with tiny sparkly magnets in it. While the polish is wet, they use a magnet to push the sparkles around for different effects that look like a cat's eye. It's amazing.

However, it was pretty clear my nail tech hadn't done it before. Instead of pretending or winging it, he did something awesome - he went and got help. Another tech came over with two magnets and proceeded to give me the most amazing cat eye manicure while walking my original guy through every step. The first tech even practiced the technique on his own nail. Turns out the second guy learned it all from YouTube - my kind of people.

The Power of Collaboration

At Blo Dry Bar, I picked "Classic Hollywood" glam from their look book. My stylist was super nice but maybe newer to this style. After washing and drying my hair, she quickly grabbed the stylist next to her to figure out how to get those big, glamorous waves. Together, those ladies curled and pinned and sprayed until I had giant rollers all over my head. No ego, just teamwork.

Generous Knowledge Sharing

Now this was the part I was nervous about - I barely wear makeup and feel pretty uncomfortable with full foundation. But the makeup artist was amazing. She asked great questions about what I wanted, and then something cool happened - other stylists started gathering around to watch her work. She took the time to explain everything she was doing, both to me and to them. Every tool, every product, different ways to make clients comfortable - it was like a master class.

When I mentioned how cool it was to be part of her master class, she laughed it off. But one of the stylists jumped in: "Oh yes, she is the best - I've learned so much from her!"

The end result of being willing to ask for help - feeling confident and ready to celebrate the League's amazing accomplishments.

Creating Space for Growth

Some people might have been annoyed that everything took a little longer than usual. But I got to watch six people learn new skills and techniques to make them better at their jobs - myself included. For me, it was perfect.

Here's what made it work:

• I recognized what I needed to achieve and found the right professionals to help me accomplish my goal
• The nail tech and stylists showed courage by asking for help right in front of clients (which is rare)
• The skilled pros generously shared their knowledge to make everyone better

This is how innovation flourishes. When people feel safe enough to ask for help, learn new things, and share what they know - that's when the magic happens.

Making It Work in Today's Workplace

One final thought about creating this kind of learning environment in today's work world. I work remotely, so this kind of on-the-job training has to be more purposeful. It may mean asking to schedule a 30-minute video call with someone to learn about something, or letting your colleagues know they're welcome to book time with you if they need help. And keep an eye on your more introverted teammates who may be less likely to ask for or offer help. We're all in this together.

At the end of the day, my husband and I had an amazing time at the celebration. I felt confident and beautiful because I was willing to admit what I didn't know and seek out help from the right people. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is ask for help - whether it's for cat eye nails or career advice.

Want to continue the conversation? Connect with me on LinkedIn - I'd love to hear how you create space for learning and growth in your life. What expertise could you share with others? Who could you reach out to for help with your next challenge?