Bestselling author reveals that asking this one question can increase trust: "It's a common misconception."

Simon Sinek, a bestselling author and leadership expert, suggests that asking the question "Can you help me out?" can help build trust with others.

According to Sinek, who spoke with Trevor Noah at the Brilliant Minds 2024 conference, asking for help is often misconstrued as a sign of weakness, but research shows that people are actually more likely to trust those who seek assistance.

If a friend of yours didn't ask for advice or guidance when they needed it, you're not the only one who felt frustrated, said Sinek. He shared an example of a friend who went through something and didn't reach out for help, even though they had been struggling. When Sinek asked why they didn't contact him, the friend replied that they didn't want to bother him.

"My initial response was, 'You son of a bitch. How dare you be so selfish to deny me the opportunity to be there for you during your difficult moment,'" Sinek added.

According to emotional intelligence researcher Jenny Woo, building strong, trusting relationships with your boss, mentor or colleagues requires asking genuine questions in professional settings and being honest about your struggles.

In July, Woo wrote for CNBC Make It that individuals with high emotional intelligence openly reveal their setbacks, fears, and failures. They view vulnerability as a strength and a way to establish stronger connections.

Encouraging open-ended dialogue with others can be achieved by asking questions like "What are your thoughts on..." or "How do you feel about...". According to Woo, emotionally intelligent individuals possess the ability to weave questions into any conversation to keep it interesting and engaging.

It can be challenging to be vulnerable and seek assistance because humans are naturally independent and strive to solve problems on their own, according to leadership coach M. Nora Bouchard, who shared her insights with Make It in 2020. People may struggle with feelings of being a burden to others and may have difficulty trusting others' intentions.

Seeking advice from others in smaller, less daunting circumstances can help you establish a relationship with those around you, allowing you to feel more comfortable seeking their assistance in more challenging situations.

Bouchard suggested creating a team of helpers so that asking for help later on wouldn't be as daunting.

To become a successful and confident communicator, enroll in CNBC's online course, "Become an Effective Communicator: Master Public Speaking." Our program will teach you how to speak clearly and confidently, manage your nerves, choose the right words, and use effective body language to make a great first impression. Sign up now.

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