You know if you don’t ASK – you don’t get. Simple equation requiring nothing more than common sense. But the way you ask will determine the OUTCOME. Everybody has a need. We all, from time to time, need help. Looking for ADVICE. Looking for some ASSISTANCE, GUIDANCE, a little SUPPORT, maybe you have a need for a shoulder to lean on – Whatever the case may be, at some point in time you will need to rely on a resource for HELP.
Your personal or professional NETWORK is a great place to start. You have a colleague at work that you know is a dependable source of comfort and someone you can be transparent with, so you can easily reach out. But make no mistake if you position your ASK inappropriately. It will affect the response.
Be STRATEGIC about your appeal. Have purpose behind it. Make yourself clear and above all, because you are asking for some form of courtesy, be thoughtful about what you ask. Know before you put ‘it’ out there that this conversation is managed the right way. It’s not a demand – It’s a REQUEST.
But to get things done, to solve a problem, to move things forward all you need to do is ASK.
