Stop Whining and Ask For What You Want!


When you want something, the best way to get it is to make your request in a straightforward and positive way. You should not expect your boss or co-workers to read your mind and know what your expectations and desires are. Nor should you brood about the fact that someone else has not recognized what you think is obvious to everyone.

If it is important to you and you really want it, then bring it to your boss' attention. Here are 8 steps you can take to get your requests granted at work.

How to Succeed at Getting What You Want at Work

  • Think through your request. Spend some time planning and/or writing what you will say, how you will say it and any anticipated reactions (positive or negative) to your request.
  • Describe the WIFT (What's In It for Them). Articulate the value of your desired outcome, any benefits that will result, mistakes that will be avoided, or money that will be saved by granting your request.
  • Be prepared with at least one viable alternative. You should have at least two possible ways your request can be granted-the most desirable solution, and another solution that you could accept. Only offer your alternative solution if it is clear that your original request will not be granted.
  • Choose constructive and affirmative words to make your request. When asking for something at work, most people tend to start their sentences with negative phrase followed by a but and finally ending with the request. In almost every instance where this is done, the request is not granted.
  • Make your request simple, concise and direct. Simple to grant, brief and to the point, sincere and straightforward.
  • Find the right time. Timing is very important. Be alert to your boss' moods, and when he or she may be under a great deal of stress. Avoid making a request when a major deadline is due or you've just made a mistake. Watch your personal timing as well. Steer clear of those times when you are feeling low or overly excited.
  • Select the right person to grant your request. Make sure that you ask the right person--the one who has the authority to give you what you desire.
  • Show appreciation. Once your request has been granted, show your appreciation by saying, thank you. Even if it's not your desired outcome, still show your appreciation for what you did receive.
  • Let's face it, you will not always get what you want, but you may regret it if you don't try. Don't be afraid of a negative response. If it is important enough for you to ask for it, then do some more homework and try again at a more opportune time.

    It's essential to keep a positive attitude, balanced perspective, and a high level of performance whether or not you get what you want on the job. Once a decision is made, if it is not your desired outcome, you should accept it and refrain from whining and complaining. As you do this, you demonstrate professional maturity--a very attractive competency indeed!

    Althea DeBrule, entrepreneur and seasoned human resources executive, has focused for more than 30 years on helping people achieve their career goals. Creator of The Extreme-Career-Makeover? and a founding partner of RADSGroup Organizational Consultants, she is recognized for her bottom line and practical application of career development and management strategies in a way that penetrates hearts and compels action. She speaks and teaches with inspired talent, humor and contagious zeal at management conferences and leadership retreats nationwide, and has been featured in CFO Magazine, Strategy@Work, Human Resource Executive Magazine. Althea is the author of Bosses & Orchards, a compelling and candid book about how to make your work relationship with your boss succeed. To discover how you can take your career to a new level, visit http://www.extreme-career-makeover.com/


    MORE RESOURCES:

    Wanted: Optician, Educational Advocate, Bank Branch Manager
    Patch.com
    Please do your own research about any potential employer you apply to. About this column: A look at what companies are hiring in St. Charles County. Know of an opening? Let us know. Related Topics: Careers, Employment, Help Wanted, and Jobs.



    Post-Bulletin

    Heard on the Street: Preston's back in the support game
    Post-Bulletin
    Look for him to soon re-launch the series of weekly meetings featuring local business leaders (and even an occasional journalist — I'll be talking in mid-February) speaking about careers, employment and the Rochester scene. While he is still working ...



    Gain the Job Interview Advantage with Top Tips from Body Language Expert Gil ...
    MarketWatch (press release)
    "Having worked in the careers/employment industry for more than 30 years, I know that many job seekers inadvertently sabotage their own searches because they don't understand the messages that their body language communicates," said Wendy Enelow, ...

    and more »


    Jamaica Gleaner

    Red Stripe widens view on Premier League
    Jamaica Gleaner
    "It can only augur well for the development of careers, employment, business development, community unity and nation building. I want to endorse and big up Red Stripe. This is a bold move on behalf of Red Stripe, and Monday night I will certainly be at ...

    and more »

    Google News

    home | site map
    © 2006