Asking specifically for what you want or need will enable people to do a better job of helping you achieve your objectives.
When you ask people to do things, do you always get the results you expect? If not, you can significantly increase the likelihood of getting exactly the outcome you envision by increasing the specificity of your requests. By "specificity" I mean giving others the information they need to do as you ask.
Many people believe that when they make a request, they are giving others all the details they need to take the appropriate action. More often than not, they are wrong. Why? The appeals lack specificity. For example, saying, "Just fix it!" or "Just make it happen!" leaves a lot to the imagination, especially if the person you’re relying on isn’t clear about what "fixing" the issue means to you, or how to make "it" happen. Maybe you aren’t really sure either.
Here are some benefits to increasing the specificity of your requests: greater productivity because less re-work is required; less frustration because everyone is clear about the desired outcome; and decreased stress because people don’t have to guess what you mean and you can be more confident that you will get the result you want.
Below are seven ways to increase the likelihood that people will be able to do what you’ve asked them to do by boosting the specificity of your requests. Some are appropriate for all types of requests; others may be needed only when the assignment is new or complex.
Think through your request in advance – e.g., exactly what outcome you want, to what extent (if any) you need to specify the methodology, and what constraints must be considered (e.g., cost, resources, time).
Determine which assignment-related decisions you’re willing to delegate and which you are not, then provide the necessary guidance.
Articulate clearly the outcome or result you are requesting.
Provide enough detail so the "picture" of the desired outcome in the other person’s head is the same as the one in yours.
Agree on how you both will know the assignment is complete.
Describe the impact of the assignment – i.e., what difference it will make when completed.
Check for understanding: ask the person to tell you what he/she believes you want, and/or how he/she intends to achieve that outcome.
If the assignment is complex and/or long lasting, provide designated check-in times to ensure things are on track.
Follow up afterward to let the person know what difference the assignment made. For example, "As a result of the directory you developed, you’ve made everyone’s lives easier because people inside and outside the organization now know exactly who to contact for their needs."
Thinking through what you want, then giving people all the information they need to successfully accomplish what you’ve asked them to do will make everyone’s job easier. Why not let specificity work wonders for you?
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