Management Tip of the Day: Ask for More Before Granting a Favor

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 Ask for More Before Granting a Favor Are you overwhelmed by requests? Next time someone wants you to help out, ask that they do a little bit of work first. Only the people who truly need your help will respond. Here's how to react to three types of favors: Job favors: When people ask you to help them get an interview with your company, gently ask them to write three paragraphs about why they're the best person for the job, including how their prior experience lines up with their desired role. Introduction favors: When someone asks to be introduced to a person in your network, ask for a summary of his request, so that you can forward it to the person he wishes to meet. Feedback favors: When someone asks for your feedback on an idea, ask her to explain exactly what she wants and provide more materials — business plans, slide decks, or any background information. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "When Someone Asks You for a Favor" by Daniel Gulati. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT 11 Rules for Creating Value in the Social Era HBR Press Book Social strategist and insightful blogger Nilofer Merchant argues that "social" is much more than "media." Smart companies are letting social become the backbone of their business models, increasing their speed and flexibility by pursuing openness and fluidity. These organizations don't operate like the powerful "800-pound gorillas" of yesteryear — but instead act more like a herd of 800 gazelles, moving together across a savannah, outrunning the competition. This ebook offers new rules for creating value, leading, and innovating in our rapidly changing world. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Create a Vision that Motivates Your Team Manage a Diverse and Dispersed Team Why Projects Work Better than Interviews Decide If Travel Is Really Worth It Make Your Big Idea Happen Say No to Extra Work Build a Better Innovation Team Make a Critical Trade-Off Stop Checking Up on Your Employees Get Clear Direction from a Boss Who Is Vague All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)