Asking for Help | Ultimate Leadership Academy

What You'll Learn

Asking for help isn't about being weak—it's about being smart! Everyone needs help sometimes, even the strongest leaders. Learning when and how to ask for support is a superpower that will help you throughout your life.

By the end of this workshop, you'll know exactly when to ask for help, how to ask clearly and respectfully, and who to turn to for different kinds of support.

Key Learning Points

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When to Ask

Recognizing situations that require help vs. when you should try first

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How to Ask

Communicating your needs clearly, politely, and effectively

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Who to Ask

Identifying the right person for different types of help

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Being a Helper

Responding kindly when others ask you for support

Activity 1: When Should You Ask for Help?

Not every situation requires help, but knowing when to ask is important. Let's practice recognizing the difference!

Help Needed or Try First?

Check the situations where you should definitely ask for help:

You're being bullied and feel unsafe ✓ Always ask for help with safety issues! You can't open a jar lid ⚠ Try first! Use a towel or warm water You don't understand homework after trying ✓ You tried first, now it's okay to ask! You want to tie your shoes ⚠ Keep practicing—you've got this! Someone is asking you to keep a dangerous secret ✓ ALWAYS tell a trusted adult about dangerous secrets You're feeling really sad or anxious ✓ Mental health matters—reach out! You want to build a LEGO set ⚠ Start with the instructions first! You're injured or in pain ✓ Health issues need help immediately

Key Rule

If something involves safety, health, or you've already tried your best, always ask for help!

Activity 2: Who Can Help You?

Different people can help with different things. Let's build your help network!

Your Help Network

Think about who you would ask in each situation. Write their name or role:

When you're struggling with math homework: Examples: teacher, parent, tutor, older sibling

When you're being bullied at school: Examples: teacher, counselor, parent, principal

When you're having a conflict with a friend: Examples: parent, school counselor, trusted adult

When you're feeling sad or worried: Examples: parent, counselor, trusted family member

When you need help with a sport or hobby: Examples: coach, instructor, experienced friend

Activity 3: How to Ask for Help

The way you ask matters! Let's practice asking clearly and respectfully.

Scenario 1

You're confused in class. Which is the best way to ask your teacher?

"This is stupid, I don't get it." "Excuse me, could you please explain that again? I want to make sure I understand." Say nothing and stay confused

Best Answer: Option 2 is polite, shows you want to learn, and asks clearly!

Scenario 2

You need help with a heavy box. What should you say?

"Hey you! Come here and help me!" "Would you mind helping me carry this box? It's pretty heavy." Struggle with it alone and risk injury

Best Answer: Option 2 is respectful and explains why you need help!

Scenario 3

You're feeling overwhelmed with homework. How should you approach your parent?

"I have too much homework! This is impossible!" "I'm feeling overwhelmed with my assignments. Could you help me make a plan to get it done?" Don't say anything and don't do the homework

Best Answer: Option 2 expresses your feelings clearly and asks for specific help!

The Help-Asking Formula

Be Polite: Use "please," "could you," "would you mind"
Be Clear: Explain exactly what you need
Be Specific: Give details about the problem
Show Gratitude: Always say thank you!

Activity 4: Write Your Own Help Requests

Now it's your turn! Practice writing clear, polite requests for help.

Your Turn to Write

Situation: You don't understand today's math lesson

What would you say to your teacher?

Situation: You're having trouble making friends at school

What would you say to a parent or counselor?

Situation: You need someone to explain the rules of a game

What would you say?

Situation: You're feeling sick during class

What would you say to your teacher?

Activity 5: When Someone Asks You for Help

Being a good helper is just as important as asking for help!

Helper's Checklist

What makes someone a good helper? Check all the good helper behaviors:

Listen carefully to understand what they need Make fun of them for not knowing Be patient and encouraging If you can't help, direct them to someone who can Do everything for them without explaining Explain things in a way they can understand Check if they understood and still need more help Tell everyone else about their problem

Remember

When you help others kindly, they'll be more likely to help you when you need it. We all help each other grow!

Final Reflection

Think About Your Learning

1. Think of a time when asking for help made a difference. What happened?

2. What makes it hard for you to ask for help sometimes?

3. Who are three people in your life you can ask for help?

4. How can you be a better helper when others ask you?

Key Takeaways

Asking for help shows courage and wisdom, not weakness
Ask for help with safety, health, or when you've tried your best
Different people can help with different problems—choose wisely
Be polite, specific, and clear when asking for support
Being a good helper makes you a better leader
Everyone needs help sometimes—building a support network is smart

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Workshop Complete!

You've learned the power of asking for help and being a helpful person to others. Remember: smart leaders know when to ask for support!

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