Is no really the worst answer you can get

Is no really the worst answer you can getIs no really the worst answer you can getSelf-Assessment Quiz True or FalseThere are instances when I need to place my needs ahead of others.I know how to follow up on a closed-ended response.I am not afraid to gently challenge authority.A part of being self-aware on the job is not being afraid to ask for what you want, setting boundaries, and teaching people how to treat you. This includes bosses. If you answered TRUE to the questions in this weeks self-assessment quiz, you probably dont have a problem in this area, but your cousins might need a little bit of help. So do me a favor, and forward this weeks post on to them.If you arent asking for what you want on a regular basis, especially at work, whats stopping you? Is it fear? And what specifically are you afraid of? Is it the word No?If you ask your boss for a day off so that you can go to your daughters chess match, whats the worst thing your boss can say?A. You suck Youre the worst team player EVAH I hate you, and I wish I had never hired you.B. The timing isnt the best, but youve asked in advance, so let me think about it.C. No.Some might think the worst response is A. But my goodness, think of all the money youd earn with that lawsuit (Ive had friends who are bosses and have been sued for far less.)Some (like me) might opt to select B as the worse answer because its a non-answer. A passive-aggressive, non-answer at that. On the one hand, you were offered praise and acknowledgment because you planned ahead with your ask. This shows a certain level of respect. On the other hand, this answer sucks rocks because if the boss doesnt get back to you after thinking about it, you have to circle back and ask her again. Sigh Why cant people just make up their minds?But those of you who selected C as the worst answer, well, youre just flat out WRONG At least with a No you have something to work with. Where some might see the response as one and done, I see it as an open-end ed response. A chance to negotiate Oh, goodyWhen it comes to negotiating, Ive been taught to softly repeat the response, with a question mark at the end. Then stop talking.No?Wait, silently. Usually, the boss wont give you the same one-word response again. More than likely, she might take the time to explain her answer a bit mora. If she does say a curt No again, prompt her (gently) for a more specific reason.May I ask why? Again, using your softest Valley Girl Becky-voice.Is your boss overworked? Has she been chewed out for being too soft and handing out too many days off? Does your boss resent that she cant take time off to spend with her own daughter?The point is you gently press until you have an answer. This strategy is usually a win-win for those of you who arent used to asking for what you want because it forces you to be a tad bit dogged IRT about getting a final answer. Youve demonstrated to your boss (and hopefully to yourself) that you deserve a fully thought-out response . After one or more encounters like this with you, your boss will recognize that youre nice, but youre not a pushover. And she hasnt strung you out on some dubiously defined future timeline after shes thought about it like she did in response B.By the way, if you are truly afraid of getting a response like that in answer A, you obviously work in the television industry or in politics (And yes, Im straight up throwing shade at these industries because Ive worked in them and know what Im talking about). But for the rest of the working world, its a response so far removed from reality that you need to just get over yourself, open your mouth, and ask for what you wantCheryl Grace is the sassy aunt, best friend, and mentor youve always needed in your life. The successful jet-setting, global corporate executive founded the aspirational lifestyle brand Powerful Penny LLC. Her products, workshops and speeches probe, inspire and empower to ensure those who really want to can get to their nex t level of best. Her blogs on careers, prosperity, relationships, family, looking and living fabulously, and living a five-star life can be found atwww.powerfulpenny.com.