Have you found yourself in a situation that requires you to gain cooperation when you’re not officially in charge? Whether you’re communicating with a client, a boss, a colleague or even your family, figuring out how to pull rank when you have no rank to pull requires perspective, strategy and clear communication.
The first step to gaining cooperation from others when you’re not the person in charge is to think of the situation from their perspective. With a bit of empathy, you can discover their needs, motivations, and goals. Then, think about how your own priorities and objectives might align with this other person’s. That overlap is key!
After you’ve thought through how you and this other person may align, then approach him or her. By starting the conversation, you automatically set its tone and direction. So, begin by asking for what you want or by asking for help. Follow up by telling the other person how your solution will benefit him or her directly. Remember, everyone wants to know the W.I.I.F.M.: “What’s in it for me?”
Here are some suggestions of phrases you could use to gain cooperation from various people in your life.
How to gain cooperation from clients
- Would you be willing to wait until Monday morning if we hand deliver your order?
- Could you live with it if we finished up first thing in the morning instead of 5 p.m. today?
- We’re finishing up another job right now. How about we get started on your request right after lunch?
How to gain cooperation from your boss
- I would appreciate the extra time to complete this project so that I can do a more thorough job.
- I’m currently working on two other assignments for you. I need your help to determine which job is your highest priority.
- Would it be possible to get this report to you first thing next week instead of Friday afternoon so I could gather more information for you?
How to gain cooperation from your colleagues
- I would appreciate you letting me know if there’s been a change in plans.
- Would you be open to hearing an idea I have on how we can collaborate?
- I need your help in implementing this department reorganization.
How to gain cooperation from your family
- What will it take to earn your support?
- I need your help to get everything done before the family vacation.
- Could you live with it if we opted out of this weekend’s plans?
By thinking through how you present your ideas, you can find a way to gain cooperation from all of the important people in your life.
