Where Do You Need Support | 4 Phrases Leaders Need to Know Part 4

“Where do you need my support?”  It’s a question every leader should be comfortable asking because it builds trust, uncovers hidden challenges, and moves the team forward faster. However, many leaders shy away from asking this question because they are worried it will cause more problems than it solves. Today, in the final part of our series on the phrases all leaders need to know, we’ll talk about when to use this question, how to use it with confidence, and why the benefits are greater than the risks.

Why should you ask, “Where do you need support?”

The only way to address problems and help your team overcome them is to acknowledge that they exist. Your team members want to succeed, but sometimes they face roadblocks, including a lack of resources, skills, or clarity, as well as personal issues.

Here’s how to make this phrase work for you:

• Use it regularly in one-on-ones. Don’t wait for a crisis or a missed deadline.

• Ask with genuine curiosity. Your tone matters. Be open, inviting, and non-judgmental.

• Follow up with action. If they say, “I need more training,” or “I’m stretched too thin,” help them get what they need.

This simple question builds:

• Trust: People know you care beyond just the output.

• Engagement: They feel valued and heard.

• Problem-solving: You catch issues early before they become big headaches.

• It also models vulnerability — when leaders ask for support or offer it openly, the whole team feels safer doing the same.

Application Activity

Add “Where do you need support?” to your agenda for every one-on-one meeting. Putting it on the agenda will help ensure you do not forget to ask or get distracted by other issues that seem more urgent. Experiment with asking this question at various times during the meeting. Find a good spot for this question where you feel unhurried and able to give your employee time to think and answer honestly.