Some people know what they want and have the bravery to ask for it. Others know what they don’t want and have developed the ability of saying it in a way that doesn’t create hostility. If you do not practise asking for what you desire, you will live in frustration. You may also become resentful that people don’t detect your needs or desires without you informing them. Some people let others violate their boundaries while they suffer in silence instead of asking for a change in behaviour. Asking for what you want may be the hardest in a work environment. Never assume that your welfare is topmost in your boss’s mind. This is not a charge against them but an acknowledgment that they’re probably occupied with their own issues. Example: if you’re a salaried employee and have been steadily working lots of hours of unpaid overtime, try asking for a special bonus for some of the amount it would have cost the company if they had paid you for the time. Offer a well-thought-out analysis, or ask for some time off equal to a portion of what the hours would convert to in a number of days. Of course, pray and believe God for favour before you ask. If that fails, keep being excellent at your work and start thinking of Plan B for your career. A businesswoman writes: ‘One of the most unique attributes that God has given to us is the ability to communicate. We do not have to stress out wishing or hoping that someone will read our minds when we could just ask for what we want.’

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.