Becoming Our Best
MAGIC WORDS
In life and work I have learned that being a little more polite than expected can pay big dividends. For instance, we tend to say "Can I ____?" or "Would you ____?" to another person when we want or need something from them. There's really nothing wrong with this approach except the easy response from the person is "No."
Here are someways to ask for permission or assistance that can give a "Yes" or better results in general:
May I____?
What do you think about____?
How would it be if ____?
A part of this approach relates to Open and Closed Questions:
Open questions begin with Who, What, Where, When or How.
These questions open up the possibility of discussion and working together.
Closed questions are more like a trial attorney would use in a courtroom:
Do you? Did you? The only answers expected are Yes or No.
A little thought and preparation before asking for assistance, permission or cooperation from someone can be helpful to get the answer you need.
Give it a try!
Author: Bruce Johnsen Management Consultant:
824 Munras Ave Suite G
Monterey, CA 93940
831-373-5969
bruce@brucejohnsen.com
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