The Power of a Head's Up: It Only Takes a Moment
Professional communication is challenging. You're never quite sure when you're supposed to connect with someone or when your request is more "annoying" than helpful. Offering a quick head's up, whether to your boss or to a colleague, however, can have a number of unexpected benefits. Experience these benefits simply by sending out a short, quick email or Slack message before you make an unexpected request.
The Value of the Head's Up
The core value of the heads up is simple: it gives your colleagues time to prepare before they talk to you in person. They have time to think through your request before they talk to you about it.
This means:
Higher likelihood of getting what you've asked for. Whether it's extra time to finish a project, unanticipated days off, or a request to help with something that wouldn't normally be a colleague's responsibility, they have time to think about your request from several angles. That means you're more likely to get what you want!
Time to talk to someone else. Does your boss need to check on your current days missed at work before they approve another one? Does your colleague need to check their upcoming schedule before committing? By offering a head's up, you can give them time to do exactly that.
Less pressure on the person you're talking to. Instead of feeling as though they have to respond immediately, they now have time to think it through without pressure. Time to think can make their response more friendly and increase the odds that you'll get what you've asked for.
Best Practices for Giving a Head's Up
When you're submitting a head's up to your colleague or boss, make sure you're following these important best practices.
Give some time for them to answer. It's not a head's up if you're going to be pounding on their office door ten minutes later, desperate for a response.
Keep your request short. You can provide more details later.
Time your request appropriately. If there are dozens of Slack messages flying by, you can wait to issue your head's up.
Giving a head's up is simple but effective tool to add to your workplace repertoire, whether you're dealing with familiar colleagues or an intimidating boss. Make a practice of using this tool on a regular basis to watch how it can transform your relationship with your colleagues.