Pharmacists, does asking for a promotion, new assignment, or salary increase, make you squirm? I am always amazed when people become afraid or challenged to ask for what they want. Sadly, it is that very thing that you want that will help to propel you in your career. Just engaging someone in conversation around your ask, creates other opportunities for you that could fundamentally change your life for the better. Being specific, doing your research, knowing your worth, and practicing your message are 4 simple ways to help you get closer to reaching your goals.
Get Specific
Specific and focused draws your audience in and helps you get closer to your objectives. People want to genuinely help you. But before they can help you, share your objective and tell them how they can help you. Before you can even approach someone for the ask, the first thing to do is to define what you really want. Secondly, connect your ask to your objective. If your ask and your objective are out of sync, your message will confuse your audience and not yield your desired result. Visualize the connection to ensure it makes sense before you approach anyone for help.
Do Your Research
Having the confidence to ask for what you want requires doing the research. Know your audience and how they can help to you move your objectives forward. Check out their social media profile and digital footprint and reference it in your conversation. Most of us are so busy working that we do not get the chance to take a pulse on what is really happening around us. You want to come across as being knowledgeable and in the “know,” so check out the news, read press releases, and look at the market trends.
Know Your Worth
If you do not feel worthy, chances are others will observe that. Your insecurities speak volumes. If you feel scared to approach people who are higher ranked than yourself, remember at the end of the day, we are all people. Get over it. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain, make the ask. The worst-case scenario is not asking and never knowing.
Practice Your Message
A flustered message will not help you. Keep your message short and sweet. If you find yourself getting in the minutia without first checking in with your audience for understanding, chances are they have stopped listening. The focus is no longer on you, but on their next meeting. You have lost the opportunity to get supported and the next time you reach out, chances are you may not get the second chance. Be prepared for your next meeting by writing out your script, reading it out load, and then role playing to rehearse all possible scenarios. A clear message causes your audience to focus on you and your needs. Your audience is now tuned in and thinking about you.
When you are prepared, focused, and strategic, asking for what you want is easy. A consistent and deliberate message will help you get closer to achieving your success.
