Asking for help is challenging. As research in neuroscience and psychology suggests, the feeling of uncertainty, fear of rejection or a diminished status all activate the same region in the brain that physical pain does. In the workplace, employees want to demonstrate their expertise and exude confidence in the role they were hired for. Employees are now faced with a challenge where, as technology reshapes the future of work, they need to learn new skills and often require help from their manager to do so. However, for many, it is still a daunting task to ask their employer for training and development help.

As a manager, there is a clear difference between being just a boss and being a leader. Where a boss orders, a leader guides; a boss manages, a leader inspires. The difference lies in how you make your employees feel and how you view your relationship with them. A good leader sees it as their responsibility to inspire, guide, and nurture their employees to help them improve; they lead by example.

Developing a space where employees are regularly heard and are receiving feedback can improve employee retention rates. It's something I've experienced firsthand, as one of our company's core values is "Be Brave," meaning all employees are encouraged to say something if they see a process that's broken or if an area of the business could be improved.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your career, you will inevitably face a high-stakes moment that thrusts you into the spotlight. An investor pitch. A nail-biting client presentation. Maybe even a keynote at a major industry event.Taking the main stage can be exhilarating, but it can also produce a paralyzing mix of dread, uncertainty and self-doubt.