Making the ASK: Effectively Recruiting Your Team by:Craig Harrison
How To Make "The Ask"
Effectively Recruiting Your Team
Many times in your life you will make requests of others: to join a group, committee or team, to perform a task or to assist with a project. This month's question: How do you make the ask? Often the key to getting to "Yes" involves how you make your request.
Whether you are:
*Building a board of directors
*Forming a committee
*Enrolling others in your team or workgroup
*Seeking volunteers for a project
Follow these ten tips to hear those magic words: "YES, I'd be glad to!"
Making "The Ask"
1.Phrase your request in terms of the benefits to the listener. Speak to "what's in it for them." Why will they benefit from saying yes to your request?
2.Be positive. Don't focus on why someone shouldn't say yes or the negative aspects of their accepting your request. Focus on the positives. Will the experience be fun? High profile? Build new skills? Lead to a promotion? Add to one's rsum? Give all involved a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction? Will it make the world a better place? Focus on positives.
3.Show respect and appreciation for your prospect. When you recognize their skills, past track record, personality or other qualities they in turn feel special. It's flattering and affirming to be asked to participate.
4.Give accurate and clear expectations of what the position or role requires. It's tempting to tell people what they want to hear, or only emphasize what is easy or fun, or undersell the time commitment required. DON'T! Give a fair explanation of your request. You don't want them agreeing under false pretenses.
5.Make sure to listen to the issues or concerns of the listener. What are they worried about? How will they base their decision? Strive to understand their needs, their fears and their constraints.
6.Give your prospect an appropriate amount of time to make an informed decision. Don't pressure, manipulate or overwhelm your prospect in hopes of their saying yes. This often backfires later as they recant or demonstrate less than complete commitment.
7.Strive for win-wins. Use flexibility and creativity to find mutually acceptable outcomes. There are numerous ways you two can find to make your proposition work for both parties.
8.Accept their answer whether they agree to your request or not.
9.Should your initial request be rejected, consider a counter-offer or secondary offer. Having a fallback offer allows your prospect to join your team in whatever capacity they are able to.
10.Thank them either way for their time and willingness to consider your offer. By treating them with respect and care they are more likely to say yes in the future.
Remember, their assent is just the beginning. Now that they've put their faith in you as a leader it is incumbent upon you to communicate your appreciation, convey your support and provide valuable recognition along the way.
Credible leaders are credible communicators. They not only make the ask so they get favorable responses, they also utilize their listening and team building skills along the way to strengthen their bonds with others.
Accentuate your powers of persuasion with a better understanding of how to appeal to colleagues, partners, co-workers, volunteers and interns when popping your questions. Zig Ziglar was right: "You can have anything in the world you want if you'll just help enough otherpeople get what they want."
The getting is good...it's all in how you make "the ask!"
About the author
Craig Harrison is a professional speaker, corporate trainer and founder of Expressions Of Excellence! Providing solutions through speaking, Craig inspires stellar sales and service leadership among professionals. He can be reached at (510) 547-0664 or through craig@craigspeaks.com. His URL is www.ExpressionsOfExcellence.com.
Learn more about Craig's program Orchestrating Your Leadership: http://www.ExpressionsOfExcellence.com/leadership.html
Learn more about Craig's program Teaming With Success: http://www.ExpressionsOfExcellence.com/teamingwithsuccess.html
To improve your Communication Quotient: http://www.ExpressionsOfExcellence.com/workplace_communication.html
craig@craigspeaks.com Quick Unsecured Loans For Your Quick Needs by:Simon Peyton How Online Payday Loans Work by:Alan Luong Secondary Ticket Market by:Jackie Sutton Why Are House Prices Still Being Misquoted - (Part One) by:Amos Graham Networking Through Strategic Alliances by:Stephen Labuda Does Work/Life Balance Really Exist? by:Donna Gunter Commercial Vehicle Finance - Refine the Driving Motion by:Bonnie Castle How To Locate And Assess Homes For Sale by:John Harris Getting Your Finances Ready To Buy A Home by:John Harris Working with a team, That how MLM works by:Robin Rushlo The Benefits of Applying Online for a Credit Card by:Kit Phillip How To Enjoy The Best Social Networking Site- Twitter Follow Simple Tips To Convert Leads Into Partners