Do you know how to get what you want?

The 14-year-old daughter of a friend asked her dad if she could have a pet rat.

Dad’s response was a very strong NO.

In many households that would have led to shouting and tears as daughter and father squared off.

Not for this young girl.

She put together the most amazing two-page letter explaining all the reasons her dad should let her have her rat.

I can’t quote it word for word, but some of the reasoning went like this:

• You’re always telling me that if I want something, I need to save my pocket money to get it. I did as you asked, saved the money, and now you won’t let me buy the thing I want. How is that fair?
• You want me to become a more responsible person. Looking after a pet would teach me responsibility. I will look after it, feed it, clean it and tidy up the cage. This will help me become a more responsible person.

And so it went on. Two pages of reasoned argument as to why her dad should let her have a pet rat.

He could no longer say NO.

She is now the proud owner of two rats – and I’m surprised to say they are actually quite cute (although not sure I would want one as a pet!).

If you feel that you deserve more at work, (more money, responsibility, recognition) are you going into your boss with reasoned argument?

It’s not enough to believe you deserve more – you need to evidence why.

Provide a good, compelling logic for what you do that demonstrates why you should be paid more, promoted etc.

Often, it won’t just be your boss’s decision, so help him make the case for you.

Provide the ammunition they need to demonstrate why you deserve what you’re asking for.

And be prepared to negotiate.

You won’t always get the answer you desire in the first conversation. Don’t leave it there. Continue to discuss and work towards a solution that works for you both.

Good Luck ??

PS - If you would like my help to get more of what you want at work, send me a DM and we can chat about it.

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