ていただくDeferentially receive someone's action
ていただく presents someone else's action as a favor respectfully received by the speaker or the speaker's side. It is the humble, deferential counterpart of the neutral receiver-side expression.
The direction of the favor
The speaker or the speaker's side is the receiver of the favor. When the person doing the action is stated, that person is normally marked by に. The construction therefore shows both respect toward the doer and humility on the receiver's side.
Receiving a favor
部長に推薦状を書いていただきました。
The department manager was kind enough to write me a letter of recommendation.
AnalyzeLiterally: I received the favor of the department manager writing a letter of recommendation.
部長 is the person who performs the action and is marked by に.
Plans and requests
The same receiving perspective can frame a planned favor or a deferential request.
Deferential and neutral receiver-side forms
ていただく deferentially acknowledges the person doing the favor. てもらう uses the same receiver-side structure but is neutral and may sound too casual when formal respect is expected.
先生に原稿を見ていただきました。
My professor was kind enough to look over my manuscript.
AnalyzeDeferential: suitable when respectfully reporting the professor's help.
先生に原稿を見てもらいました。
I had my professor look over my manuscript.
AnalyzeNeutral counterpart: natural in less formal conversation, but without the humble status of the target form.
More examples
国際会議で、山田先生に研究仲間を紹介していただきました。
At the international conference, Professor Yamada was kind enough to introduce me to some fellow researchers.
Analyze明日の会議では、最初に部長に説明していただきます。
At tomorrow's meeting, we will first have the department manager give an explanation.
Analyzeお時間のあるときに、この報告書を読んでいただけると助かります。
It would be helpful if you could read this report when you have time.
Analyze受付の方に会場まで案内していただきました。
The receptionist kindly showed me to the venue.
Analyze先生にもう一度説明していただいて、ようやく理解できました。
After my professor kindly explained it once more, I finally understood.
Analyze先方に日程を変更していただけることになりました。
It has been arranged for the other party to change the schedule for us.
Analyze