Leaders are unafraid of “the big ask”. It is asking the question that appears
outside the boundaries of what is reasonable or expected. It is one step in putting action to a
seemingly impossible dream. Recently,
the organization I work for made “the big ask”. We were in need of staffing a crucial executive leader. Our point leader knew who he wanted for
the job, but the reality of that person coming to fill the role seemed beyond
possibility. Even so, he
approached him. To everyone’s
surprise, the potential person prayerfully accepted the new role within our
church.
Often we are paralyzed by fear of being
turned down. It seems a little
unwise to pursue a long-shot possibility.
However, there is no harm and barely any time lost in asking. Maybe you are in need of additional
budget dollars in the coming year, but you are almost sure your department will
be turned down. But why not at
least ask? The worst that could
happen is getting the answer you were expecting, “No”. But unless you ask, there is no chance
that you could hear the answer you were never expecting, “Yes”.
Years ago, Pastor Bill Hybels of Willow Creek
Church (the third largest church in America) was speaking at a Leadership
event. He gave the audience a
nugget of wisdom I have never forgotten.
“Never say no for someone else.”
He went on to explain how leaders get so
accustomed to thinking critically we rarely go outside the norm to ask for
something greater than expected.
His admonition was to stop saying no for others and at least ask
them. Whether it is a boss,
potential volunteer, board, or some other entity go ahead and make “the big
ask”.
When you do, make sure that you are prepared
for questions. You will need to
have done your homework. No one
will take you seriously unless you can present a compelling case, especially
when asking for something out of the norm. When you combine “the big ask” with thoughtful analysis you
have a much greater chance of getting the outcome you hope for.
So ask.
You will be glad that you did.
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