Asking effectively.
WHAT MAKES A REQUEST WORK
Being specific Being easy to agree to Giving a reason Making the action obvious
WHAT TO STATE FIRST
What you are asking for.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
Why you need it By when What happens if it is not possible What you have done already
WHY THAT LAST ONE
It shows the request is not laziness.
WHAT SPECIFICITY LOOKS LIKE
Naming the exact thing, the exact date, and the exact person.
WHAT VAGUENESS LOOKS LIKE
Asking someone to look into something when convenient.
WHY IT FAILS
Nothing happens.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT LARGE REQUESTS
Break them into a first small step.
WHY
Agreement to something small is far easier.
WHAT TO AVOID
Apologising extensively for asking Explaining at such length the request is lost Asking several people the same thing
WHY THAT LAST ONE
Each assumes another will act.
WHAT TO DO IF ASKING A GROUP
Name the person responsible.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT NO RESPONSE
Follow up once, with the original message.
WHEN
After a stated reasonable period.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THAT
Ask directly, by another channel.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY AGREE
Confirm what was agreed, and thank them.
