How To Get What You Want (Hint: Ask For It.)
Photo by Rohit Farmer on Unsplash
In business and relationships, expect to get what you ask for, not more.
Some people will over-deliver; consider that a bonus. But expecting people to deliver something beyond what you explicitly asked for is a set-up for disappointment and frustration.
You have a project meeting at work. Everyone on the project attends, and you are ready to create alignment on responsibility for each member of the team. Do you tell Scott he is responsible for specific items on the task list without giving him a deadline? Or do you assume he will understand your definition of “ASAP?”
How well does that turn out on the delivery date?
How does that affect office relationships? Do you start thinking Scott is not up to the task or that he doesn’t have a sense of urgency? This is how we end up forming perceptions of others that can limit our team’s performance. To you, “ASAP” might mean “right now,” while Scott may interpret it as, “when I finish this other task I’ve started.”
In relationships at work or home, remember that assumptions remain in your own mind. Explicit requests are spoken or written in detail. Most people will rise to the occasion if they understand the requirements and expectations.
Ask yourself what details were glossed over or left out when you discussed the project. Circle back and double-check with the team. Give them permission to ask you to fill in any blanks that have been left to assumption.
With a few extra minutes of clear, focused direction, you took a project to the next level.
You empowered team members to bring a better product to the table.
Fantastic employers and managers make this same mistake every day — leaving instructions unintentionally vague. It’s helpful to have an outside set of eyes and ears to recognize when this happens. At Momentum Consulting, we call these “blind spots,” and once revealed, they are often the catalyst for a major shift in collaboration, partnership and efficiency.
If you’re not getting what you want, start paying attention to what you are asking for. Make it a continual point of learning and personal growth to take an objective look at your communication. The good news is, it’s up to you.
All my best,
Fundamental of the Week #17: BE DEDICATED TO PERSONAL GROWTH
Be a lifetime learner. Challenge yourself to take risks and operate outside of your comfort zone. Solicit feedback and learn from mistakes. Understand the nature of causing breakthroughs and live it as a discipline. Believe in Magic.
Momentum Consulting offers executive business coaching, top-level executive consulting, team trainings and team offsites to build and transform your business to the next level. Inquire about business consulting and leadership coaching today.
