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/

---

How To Become A Computer Consultant

Have you ever wanted to become a computer consultant, but... Read More

A Career in Image Consulting

You might have seen them while watching TV shows such... Read More

How to Tell if You are Fired and Just Dont Know It

No one should be fired and be surprised about it.... Read More

Update Your Resume Today

A friend was just promoted to a position of vice-president... Read More

Employment Screening Today ? Are Online Database Searches Enough?

In today's employment environment, HR managers are faced with the... Read More

How to Survive in Business Long Enough to Win

As a former human resources professional it has always intrigued... Read More

Tips on How to Write High Impact Letters of Recommendation

Congratulations. You've been asked to write a letter of recommendation... Read More

Image and Style Count

When I was a child, there was a pool nearby... Read More

Are You Ready To Start A Business? Take This Quiz and See

Don't get discouraged! A "no" answer to any of the... Read More

Career Advice On Freelance Writing Jobs

Sometimes the freelance writing jobs available are those that no... Read More

What To Do

Ever had that perfect life when everything seems perfect yet... Read More

Get Beyond Your Tasks

Ever hear the story of the two masons working side... Read More

Effective Resume and Cover Letter Writing - Part One

To begin, make a decision to discard any former knowledge... Read More

I Quit!

More and more people are calling it quits to successful... Read More

Simple Interviewing That Works

Powerful questions to get below the surface1. Ask for specific... Read More

Sweeping Up Worms

With the opening of a new venture and numerous reporters... Read More

Dealing With How Would You...? Questions

I'm always preaching about proper preparation prior to interviews. If... Read More

Are You Making These Common Job Interview Mistakes?

Going to an interview without a plan of action is... Read More

Dissatisfied With Work? Perhaps Its You

Just about every month, there's a new research report detailing... Read More

How To Answer Your Call In Mid-Life

Hank Bochenski's story proves it is never too late to... Read More

How to Track Your Right Career

Are you lost in the wilderness when it comes to... Read More

Networking Masterclass - Part 2 Practicing Altruism

Practicing Altruism The 'Golden Rule' occurred in the Greek and... Read More

How To Pick The Best Career For You, Part 1

In Part One we'll look at how Positioning or "Coming... Read More

Playing from the Blue Tees: Women in the Federal Government

Throughout the past decade, workplace diversity issues have allowed organizations... Read More

References: Choose Wisely

Sophisticated job seekers know and understand that sometime during the... Read More

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

How long has it been since you last had to... Read More

Retirement: Is It A Career Change Option?

Retirement might be the answer when you ask yourself "why... Read More

Free Resume Template: What Makes a Good One?

You can drown in the "free resume examples," "free resume... Read More

So Youre Thinking of Changing Careers

"You don't have to take life the way it comes... Read More

Telecommuting Website (Part Two)

Last article I discussed why a telecommuter would benefit from... Read More

Are You Busy Living or Dying?

If you are not busy living, then you must be... Read More

Looking for a Qualified Medical Billing Specialist

Families, mothers, employers, and medical practices all interact in one... Read More

Theres No Need to Pad Your Resume

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