Help-Seeking Strategies &

Successful Leadership
BSA HWS 2021
Support Circle Activity
Draw what you see on the left. Write
names of people or groups in your inner
circle. Do the same for those in your
outer circle. Support can be friends,
family, pets, social media platforms,
community groups, church, etc.
Have you asked for help in the past?
Who did you ask? What was the
outcome?
Help-Seeking
Help seeking is an important social skill that:

1. Enables individuals to know when outside help is needed

2. To understand type of assistance required
3. Informs how to access the help by effectively engaging others
4. Informs how to apply what is learned to solve problems and complete
tasks

Help-seeking is an essential skill needed to be a successful

student and professional
 Barriers to Help-Seeking
Some barriers include:

● Fear of stigma ● Cultural mistrust of White

● Not clear on the type of help
needed
● Negative messages from society
regarding a need for help
● Not enough racial or cultural
representation
● Fear that needs will not get met
professionals
● Lack of knowledge of resources
● Lack of knowledge of how to ask for
help or who to ask for help
● Unavailability of resources for the
specific population
● Imposter syndrome
 Overcoming Barriers to Help-Seeking
There are strategies to effectively seek help to get your needs met.

● Make a list of possible people to go to for help

● Write down your questions and concerns (helps
with feelings of being overwhelmed)
● Talk to someone you trust
● Talk to a faculty member who exhibits knowledge
or advocacy for diverse student populations
 Overcoming Barriers to Help-Seeking

● Ask if there are specific resources that can

address your need
● Address feelings of inadequacy
● Recognize that EVERYONE has questions
● Try not to be discouraged if they can’t help
 LEadership
Applying help-seeking strategies enables you to to be a leader.
This is a natural process that happens over time. Leadership skills
are life skills!
Qualities & Skills that make a strong leader:
● Emotional intelligence ● Participation
● Self-awareness ● Empathy
● Vision ● Focus
● Adaptability ● Honesty
● Inspiration ● Resilience
 LEadership & Campus Involvement
● The world constantly needs positive influence, especially as it
relates to diversity and inclusion

● Leadership allows you to gain confidence in getting involved

on campus
○ Campus involvement is ESSENTIAL for thriving in college and
success
 Steps to leadership
01 Self confidence & self
reflection

02 Partnering & getting help

03 Campus involvement & Growing in skills

04
Leadership in your larger
circles
Resources

Clubs & Organizations @ COC

EOPS
Career Counseling
Counseling
DOR