At some point we all get there: too much to do, not enough time, not enough people to delegate to. Daily tasks overwhelm, strategic projects languish, and we struggle to stay upbeat even though, in theory, we still like our jobs.
We need help.
This is a critical moment and a key opportunity. Before you walk into your CMO's or managing partner's office with your ask, consider how it will be heard. This crucial step will help you get (closer to) what you actually want, and you can use the conversation to help your firm discover what it needs, not just what you need.
Replace "I need . . . " with "What if . . . ?"
When we're stressed, it becomes easy to race to the easiest solution. "I need . . .
. . . a coordinator."
. . . to outsource social media."
. . . a policy for [fill in the blank]."
Watch your audience and see how fast the walls go up. You might as well replace the above asks with "I need . . .
. . . $65,000." (Plus benefits!)
. . . $10,000 per month."
. . . you to drive difficult culture change."
But see what happens when we replace "I need" with "What if."
"What if we explored adding a coordinator?"
"What if we tried outsourcing some social media and tracked our outcomes?"
"What if we had a policy for [fill in the blank]?"
Where "I need" crackles with stress and instantly puts our audience on guard, "What if?" invites discussion and exploration. The phrase welcomes our audience to ease into an idea rather than assaults them with a demand. It shows that you, even in your moment of strain, understand the difficulties your boss will face in advocating for and securing your request. "What if?" acknowledges that your idea involves complexity and may have to start with some trial balloons. It signals that you are open to compromise–which "I need" definitely does not. Most of all, "What if?" sets a tone for creativity, imagination, and partnership.
And just like that, with two tiny words, you'll find you've led your firm into the conversation you want to be having–need to be having–while encouraging collaboration and eliminating potential conflict.
Try it, and let me know how it goes. matt@axismarketingstrategies.com