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You'll overcome the element of surprise that blocks some decisions simply because people don't want to "be rash" and make a decision "too soon." You'll also have the advantage of hearing opposing viewpoints so you can prepare your counter before the formal presentation in the meeting. If you think that people might be hesitant to give you negative views one on one, encourage them with something like: ''Help me see the other side of this issue if you don't agree." "If somebody were to object to this idea, what do you think that objection might be?" "What ideas do you have for responding to those who may be unhappy about this?" A behind-the-scenes briefing wins more friends than it creates enemies. |
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Tip 422: Don't surprise your boss. |
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Husband and wife, Glenn and Nelda, attended a community auction for a local charity. In a feverish round of good-natured bidding, where several CEOs present began to challenge each other to "dig a little deeper" for a good cause, Glenn popped up to say that he'd pay $10,000 for a canoe trip for six down the Mississippi River. Sitting beside him, Nelda almost gasped aloud. They had agreed before the auction on how much they could afford to give. Glenn's "surprise" angered her as much for his taking the liberty of not including her in the decision as for the large amount she didn't think they could afford. |
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Bosses feel the same way occasionally. Generally, it's better to present the idea to them privately before springing it on a group and chancing a public embarrassment for them or a reprimand for yourself. The boss may suggest that you "wait on that idea until X happens" or tell you to go ahead and bring up the issue even though he or she doesn't fully agree. Either way, you've followed corporate protocol. |
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Tip 423: Ask for input and approval from your superiors. |
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Don't leave a meeting in which you've presented information or proposed a plan without having a clear mandate for the next step. If response is slow to come, and you want input and honest reaction, ask the lower-ranking superiors for their feedback first. If you want a quick yes-no decision, go right to the top. Ask the senior person for questions, a response, or a go-ahead. After the highest-ranking person speaks, you'll get conformity from there on. There's no use being given "busy work" from the lower-ranking people if the answer from the top will eventually be "no." |
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