I learned four words today that blew my mind, words I simply had to pass on to the women of Career Girl Network. My coach said to ask, “What is the process…” Not “can we” or “should we” or “might I”? For instance, if you’re looking for a raise, don’t ask your boss, “Would it be possible for me to get a slight raise in my pay?” Instead, say, “What is the process we need to undertake in order to renegotiate my compensation?”
“What is the process” – it assumes two things. 1) There is a process. And 2) The answer to this question can never be “No.”
So the next time you’re in a tight spot with your boss or co-workers, phrase the question differently and ask them, “What is the process…”
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
I like those four words too! I actually used them when asking about painting our apartment a few weeks ago. I didn't say – can we paint our apartment? I said – what's the process for picking colors to paint our apartment?
Success.