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/

---

Better Links Directory

Hot Business Trends for 2004? And Beyond: Maybe One Will Turn Into a Creative Business Idea for You

I always look forward to the December issue of... Read More

What is Workers Compensation Fraud

What is FraudFraud occurs when a person knowingly or intentionally... Read More

How to Crash - Proof Your Job Search

Think you have the speed, endurance, and know-how to fix... Read More

Theres No Need to Pad Your Resume

It seems like a good idea, harmless in fact. Your... Read More

What Me? Lie On My Resume? Who Will Know?

The temptation to lie on a resume is great! How... Read More

Driver Team Solo Positions: The Nitty Gritty On Truck Driving Jobs

Trucks and truck drivers are a constant presence on US... Read More

Global Economy Creates Need For International Business Pros

The increasing globalization of business has created a demand for... Read More

A Job is Not a Job

It only happened on Mondays. Sometimes I escaped... Read More

Wishing and Hoping

Years after Disneyland was built, after the completion of Walt... Read More

Your Next Performance Appraisal: Make It Work For You

In the rush of everyday work, it can be difficult... Read More

5 Resume Mistakes Telecommuters Often Make

Finding a legit telecommute job can be difficult. Telecommute jobs... Read More

Mid-Life Crisis: Its Not Just for Men Anymore!

A recent story in Career Journal begins:"The "midlife crisis" has... Read More

Big Job Sites Vs The Small Ones

There is much to say about posting resumes on the... Read More

Difficult Relationships at Work - Dealing with Workplace Conflict

Difficult Relationships at Work - How to Influence the UncooperativeWe... Read More

Have Some PASTA with Your Interview

When cyclists prepare for a big race, they always make... Read More

3 Reasons To Hire From Outside Your Industry

While at times it may prove comfortable and convenient to... Read More

Losing a Career When Youre Moving for Love

Those who watched HBO's Sex and the City (SATC, now... Read More

Rev-Up Your Network!

Whether you are looking for a job, new clients or... Read More

Necessary Psychological Skills When Working in the Executive Protection Field

The "hard" skills necessary for an executive protection specialist (EPS)... Read More

The Recruiting Truth...Time Is Not On Your Side

In today's marketplace things are constantly changing and so are... Read More

Why a Professional Resume?

As a job search tool your Resume is your main... Read More

Im just me - An Overview of an Web er.. Designer, Developer, Consultant and Friend

I am going to give you a breakdown of my... Read More

One Cover Letter Secret You Cant Afford To Miss

Suppose you were the hiring manager, your desk piled high... Read More

Three Steps to Writing Your Own Resume

While most professionals hire a professional resume writer, some draft... Read More

The Perfect Fit: Women & Franchising

An interesting combination of factors at this time in history... Read More