Often times in business, we have the opportunity to get exactly what we want and need. The problem is, we just don’t ask for it correctly.
Take, for example, something I did just the other day. I wrote an article and sent it to one of my trusted advisers. “Please see if there are any glaring mistakes,” I requested.
She sent it back with some grammatical and typographical edits. Nothing more. No comments. No “great job.” Nada. “What did you think of it?” I asked.
“I don’t know,” she said. “I just read it for mistakes.”
She did exactly what I asked. The result? I wasted her time and mine by asking the wrong question.
I am fortunate enough to have a handful of brilliant people in my life who are ready, willing and able to help me sort through issues, give me expert advice and new perspectives. Instead of utilizing these great minds, am I just asking them to find mistakes? What a waste!
Had I framed my request correctly, (i.e. Here’s an article I wrote and here’s what I’m trying to say. Can you tell me if it makes the point well? Does the concept resonate?) I would have gotten what I needed.
If you have your own brain trust, be sure you use their time wisely. Ask for what you need and magically, you just might get it!
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