How to ask for more
When you don't have the resources to do your best

The right job

Not all jobs come equipped with the tools needed to excel. Sometimes, your employer thinks they have provided you with the necessary tools. Still, the management’s lack of frontline experience, or the evolution of the role, may result in the job description and the accompanying resources being insufficient or out of date.

The game plan

At times, you need a little something extra to achieve your targets. But obtaining the training/resources you require can be a daunting task. Here’s how to go about it in 8 simple steps:

1. Know what you’re asking for - be very clear about what you need, whether it’s a new computer, training in a new process, a private workspace, or an upgrade in the internet facilities etc. List why and how this will help improve your performance.
2. Know the company’s limits - determine whether the company is prepared to meet your needs and find alternatives if necessary. E.g. asking management to foot the bill for you to complete an MBA might be a challenge when a week-long course in corporate finance will give you what you need.
3. Find help – determine if you’re the only one facing the barrier. There may be other team members who are dealing with the same/similar issue, or someone may have faced this issue in the past. If someone has already been in your shoes, ask them for help and see how they went about dealing with the problem. You can learn from their mistakes and use their most successful strategies!
4. Who to approach - if you’re asking for something like a new chair or more study time to pursue additional learning, then you can talk to your boss directly. If it’s something like upgrading the internet facilities, it might be a better idea to discuss it in a team meeting and if your team and boss is onboard, then shoot an email to IT.
5. How to approach – This depends on who you are approaching and whether others share your ideas. If there are a few team members who face the same issue, it might be ideal for bringing up at a team meeting with your boss. On the other hand, if it’s just you, one-on-one time with the boss is more suitable.
6. Know where you can compromise – even the best deals have some negotiation. Especially if what you’re asking for is going to cost the company, you can be sure to expect some bargaining. This is why it’s important to know where you draw the line and where you are willing to bend a little to achieve the end goal. Being rigid will likely make the deal go south!

7. Leave your emotions at the door – it’s natural to get frustrated or angry when you don’t have the tools to do your job, and when you know you can do better. But once you step on to the negotiating floor, there are no room for emotions. Being angry and demanding is no guarantee of getting what you want. Neither is crying and begging. In either of these scenarios, you may lose your audience before you even get to your point! Being calm and assertive can at least make sure that they hear you out. The rest is up to your negotiation skills!
8. Be appreciative – if you walk into the meeting and immediately start bashing the company, the job, or the tools you already have, it will harm not only your case but also your reputation. The most important thing is to portray your passion for the job and your desire to deliver the best outcome for the company. This is why we asked you to make that list earlier of how the change in resources will help you to do your job.

Very few people like to admit when there is a problem, or that they could perform better with improved resources. Even fewer dare to do something about it. This is because, in the workplace, employees are typically keen to demonstrate as much expertise, competence, and confidence as possible. Will you let your fear of a conversation with your boss hold you back from performing your best?