Hanumanji
was once asked a question by a follower that he was so powerful with enormous
strength then why did not he single - handedly defeat Ravana and rescued Mother
Sita.
Hanumanji
simply replied that Lord Shri Ram did not ask me to do so. Imagine so much of
bloodshed and destruction could have been avoided.
So
do not assume ask . Assume means ASS U and ME
Similarly
we may also be the victim of assume and don'
t ask don't do/act syndrome.
Here
are some important points on Always Ask do not Assume
Ask
to Renegotiate...
Nothing
is sacrosanct . The circumsatnces change, people change, needs change, requirement
change, moods change so do not think that if something is fixed it cannot be renegotiated
even rejection can be gradually changed to selection in business or personal life.
All
sorts of contracts can be renegotiated in your personal life, too, such as changing
your mortgage terms and rate. As long as you negotiate ethically and in the spirit
of win- win, you can enjoy a lot of flexibility. Nothing is ever cast in stone.
Ask
for Feedback...
This
is an important component of asking that is often overlooked. How do you really
know if your product or service is meeting your customers' needs? Ask them, "How
are we doing? What can we do to improve our service to you?
Please share what
you like or don't like about our products." Set up regular customer surveys
that ask good questions and tough questions. It's a powerful way to fine- tune
your business.
Feedback
can also be employed into personal life to improve releationship. By asking and
accepting feedback while giving gentle feedback results in closing the commuication
gap and bringing two people closer.
How
to Ask...
Some
people don't enjoy the fruits of asking because they don't ask effectively. If
you use vague language you will not be clearly understood. Here are five ways
to ensure that your asking gets results.
*
Ask Clearly - Be precise. Think clearly about
your request. Take time to prepare. Use a note pad to pick words that have the
greatest impact. Words are powerful, so choose them carefully.
*
Ask with Confidence - People who ask
confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you've figured
out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence.
*
Ask Consistently - Some people fold after
making one timid request. They quit too soon. Keep asking until you find the answers.
In prospecting there are usually four or five "no's" before you get
a "yes." Top producers understand this. When you find a way to ask that
works, keep on asking it.
*
Ask Creatively - In this age of global competition, your
asking may get lost in the crowd, unheard by the decision- makers you hope to
reach. There is a way around this. If you want someone's attention, don't ask
the ordinary way. Use your creativity to dream up a high-impact presentation.
An
ad agency pitching for the Britsh Rail account created the same atmosphere which
a customer of British Rail used to face in their office( indifferent, rude service
)when the British team went to their office for discussion.This made a point that
British Rail need to change their attitude before advertising and the agency got
the account.
* Ask
Sincerely - When you really need help, people will respond. Sincerity
means dropping the image facade and showing a willingness to be vulnerable. Tell
it the way it is, lumps and all. Don't worry if your presentation isn't perfect;
ask from your heart. Keep it simple and people will open up to you