Get What You Want at Work

When it comes to getting what you want out of your career — whether that be that pay raise, the contract with that big client, or something more simple — effective communication is as important as hard work and talent.

To avoid the unwelcome "no," you don't always have to change your request: Change how you ask for it.

Here are five strategies to keep in mind in order to get what you want.

1. Be brief. Be precise. Beating around the bush is a waste of everyone's time and is not a great way to get your boss to believe that you deserve what you want. Figure out what outcome you really want from your request. If you want more staff, don't ask to review the departmental budget. Yes, the two issues are related, but it's better for your purpose to get to the point directly.
2. Think like the boss. What matters to him/her? Approach your superior from an angle that appeals to his/her ultimate objective as it pertains to yours. Make it something hard to decline. Which brings me to my next point...
3. Ask the question in the right way. Ask your question in a way that presumes your boss has already agreed. Instead of, "Can I have a larger budget?" ask the boss "How much can you increase my budget so I can meet the department's goals?" Those in sales are already familiar with these techniques of rhetoric, and they are helpful for everyone. Just the same, however…
4. Be Prepared For "No." Figure out ahead of time what objections your boss is likely to raise, and be prepared to counter them with solid reasons. If that doesn't work…
5. Accept it and move on. Your boss may know something you don't. S/he may have plans of which you are unaware. Now's the time to thank your boss for considering your request. All you can do now is to learn from it and come back stronger and better prepared.