From the course: Interpersonal Communication
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How to make requests effectively
From the course: Interpersonal Communication
How to make requests effectively
- Sometimes you can get away with ordering people to do things at work, but certainly not if they don't report to you. And even then, it's generally not a great idea, because they'll usually resent you for it. Instead, it pays to learn the art of making a request, because people feel a lot better about honoring a request than they do about following an order. So here's how to do it effectively. First, where possible, it's always a good idea to dig your well before you're thirsty, as the business author Harvey Mackay put it. In other words, try to invest in the relationship before you need something from that person. If you can be helpful to your colleagues when they need it, donating to their charity run, or filling in for them in a meeting, or editing a document for them, they'll be appreciative and far more likely to help you in the future. Next, in the moment when you do have a request, make sure you explain the context.…
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