Ideas worth spreading

What kids can teach adults about asking for help

1,792,083 views |

YeYoon Kim |

TED@PMI

• September 2020

Do you need some help? It's OK to ask, says YeYoon Kim, a former kindergarten teacher who learned from her students how powerful and courageous it can be to reach out for support. Sharing the story of one of the most difficult periods in her life, Kim explores the happiness and joy that can come from leaning on those you love in times of need -- and encourages the rest of us to start asking for help more often.

Do you need some help? It's OK to ask, says YeYoon Kim, a former kindergarten teacher who learned from her students how powerful and courageous it can be to reach out for support. Sharing the story of one of the most difficult periods in her life, Kim explores the happiness and joy that can come from leaning on those you love in times of need -- and encourages the rest of us to start asking for help more often.

About the speaker

YeYoon Kim

Professional community developer

See speaker profile

YeYoon Kim develops professional communities at the Project Management Institute.

Brené Brown | TEDxHouston, 2010 | Watch

"The power of vulnerability"

This one really requires no introduction. If you need a reminder or stronger argument for how vulnerability is strength, this is just the talk to listen to.

Pete Docter | Pixar, 2015 | Watch

Inside Out

Who doesn't like a good Disney/Pixar movie? Remember, Sadness is the hero that gets Riley the help she needs.

Alex Korb | New Harbinger Publications, 2015 | Book

The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time

This book was a gift to me by another friend that knew I was struggling. This helped me take small steps to help myself. Especially for the Sams that are not quite ready to ask for help from others, these are logical, simple ways you can help yourself.

Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead (illustrator) | Roaring Brook Press, 2010 | Book

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

I really wanted to include a children's book to the list, and this is just the one. You too are worthy of all the care that Amos got from his friends. Yet another important message to the Sams out there.

About TED Institute

Every year, TED works with a group of select companies and foundations to identify internal ideators, inventors, connectors, and creators. Drawing on the same rigorous regimen that has prepared speakers for the TED main stage, TED Institute works closely with each partner, overseeing curation and providing intensive one-on-one talk development to sharpen and fine tune ideas. The culmination is an event produced, recorded, and hosted by TED, generating a growing library of valuable TED Talks that can spur innovation and transform organizations.

Read more about the TED Institute