36. If you want something, ask for it.

If you need something, don’t beat around the bush. Don’t assume people will know what you need, either. Don’t make them guess. The more specific you are about what you need, the faster you’ll get it.

One executive got in the habit of copying his boss on everything. He assumed that his boss would let him know if there were any problems. Of course, his boss was busy and read only material flagged as requiring approval. When the executive sent his boss the mission statement for his business unit as an attachment, without any indication that he was seeking approval of it, it made its way to the boss’s trash bin. Months later, his boss was shocked when the executive handed it out at a meeting. He had a number of changes that could have been made long before and saved the executive embarrassment if the executive had simply asked for his approval.

These four guidelines will help you cut to the chase when asking for what you need:

• If you’re asking for something from an employee or peer, clearly frame your request and set a deadline.

• If you’re asking for input from your boss on a project, break it into pieces. Ask her what she likes (or doesn’t like) about each part of your plan or approach.

• If you need clarification about criticism you’ve received, ask for specific concerns in as much detail as possible.

• If you want to be kept in the loop, ask to be added to a distribution list or to attend a meeting. Be sure to know what’s expected of you in return.

• If you need more resources, explain what you need—and why.

Notice how specific each request is. Such clarity will help ensure that both you and your team get what you need, when you need it.