1/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
↳ Goal: Ensure your work aligns with your boss’s priorities and company goals.
↳ Ask: “What does success look like for this project?”
↳ Why it works: It uncovers unspoken expectations and builds trust early.
2/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
↳ Goal: Adapt to your manager’s communication and work preferences.
↳ Observe: How does your boss give feedback or make decisions?
↳ Adapt: Match their style to create smoother collaboration.
3/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
↳ Goal: Take initiative without overstepping or being micromanaged.
↳ Say: “Here’s the issue – and here’s what I propose.”
↳ Frame: Position your ideas around how they ease your boss’s burden.
4/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
↳ Goal: Set limits without damaging relationships.
↳ Use: A conditional yes: “I can do that if we move X to next week.”
↳ Why it works: It shows cooperation while asserting bandwidth.
5/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
↳ Goal: Give and receive feedback without fear or defensiveness.
↳ Don’t: Offer feedback in the heat of the moment.
↳ Do: Wait until both parties are calm and open.
6/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
↳ Goal: Build strategic relationships beyond your direct manager.
↳ Start with: Value or curiosity, not a request.
↳ Ask: “What’s something you wish more people understood about your role?”
7/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
↳ Goal: Ensure your contributions are seen and acknowledged.
↳ Tell: Stories that tie your work to business outcomes.
↳ Example: “Because of X, we achieved Y – here’s how it happened.”
8/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
↳ Goal: Position yourself for promotions or growth opportunities.
↳ Align: “Here’s how my growth supports our team’s goals.”
↳ Ask: “What skills should I build to contribute at a higher level?”
9/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
↳ Goal: Advocate for better compensation or perks.
↳ Prepare: Benchmarks + recent wins + future value.
↳ Say: “Here’s how I’m delivering impact – and why it merits a review.”
10/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
↳ Goal: Exit gracefully and protect your reputation.
↳ Frame: “I’m ready for new challenges and growth.”
↳ Secure: Strong relationships and references before you go.
—————————————-
Repost to help someone become a speaker.
And follow me Oliver Aust for daily insights on leadership communications.
Ready to become a top 1% communicator? Reach out here: https://lnkd.in/ekXvJNAe
How do you get what you want from the people in charge?
Despite the inevitable power dynamics?
Inspired by the brilliant Melody Wilding and her book “Managing Up”, here are the 10 Conversations that get you what you want.