January 19, 2007

HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT BY ASKING

Whenever you need to get something accomplished, and you're stuck dealing with a low-level flunky (no offense to the flunkies of the world), DON'T ask "How can I get this thing done/changed/removed/approved?". They will say "I don't know" and you will be screwed.

Ask instead: "Who do I need to talk to in order to get this thing done/changed/removed/approved?"

Someone, somewhere ALWAYS has the power to grant your wish. And, since you're letting the flunky shift responsibility for the decision away from themselves, the person you're talking to will ALWAYS happily point you to someone who is either authorized to grant your wish, or someone who has a better idea of who your wish-granter might be.

At some point in your journey, the person you're talking to will answer "I can help you with that".

Repeat as necessary until you get what you want.

posted by Harvey on January 19, 2007 at 09:50 AM | Permalink | 5 Liars | TrackBack | Good Advice
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Comments on HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT BY ASKING
Miss Cellania exemplified on January 19, 2007 12:02 PM

Good advice, but only for a task you can't accomplish yourself.

Ogre exemplified on January 19, 2007 12:54 PM

Harvey? Who do I need to talk to to get next week's winning lottery numbers TODAY?

Harvey exemplified on January 19, 2007 02:34 PM

Ogre - Well, I don't know the answer to that one myself, but you might want to try the good folks at Powerball.com. They can probably point you in the right direction.

See? Works every time :-)

P'cola Titan exemplified on January 19, 2007 09:28 PM

On the upside, sometimes the flunky feels overlooked, gains a sense of empowerment, and suddenly flunky comes to life as a helpful person..

graumagus exemplified on January 20, 2007 05:20 PM

I prefer asking "Could you please NOT resolve this problem for me? Because I'm in a really bad mood and punting your severed head thirty yards or so would improve my mood immeasurably".

Unfortunately I have yet to have the opportunity to ask that without adverse repercussions.... but I keep waiting for that opportunity...