In work and life, we often expect help and support from others. However, sometimes we feel confused and disappointed when others seem indifferent to our requests or unwilling to help. So, what's the problem? Maybe the answer lies within ourselves. If we do not have a clear plan or goal, and lack a clear understanding of the help we need, it is likely that others will not be willing or able to help us. It's time to reflect on yourself and see if you need to count a little bit in your heart. So what is it that determines the outcome of the communication? I have summed up the following "routines".
Scenario 1: How to collect data?
In my department, I often need to find various people across departments to collect information for reference. For example, ask the training department for courseware, ask for data from the data group, ask for a list from HR, ask for customer cases from the customer department, etc.
Some information can be provided by others, and some information may involve privacy and even require an application process.
At any time, it can be very offensive to ask someone for information. So you have to figure out how to express your needs, and sometimes you even think: why should others cooperate with you?
Communication template: self-introduction + what information you want + purpose + application process
For example:
Hello, hello, I am XX, from XX department. XX information is needed recently, mainly XXX. After this matter is completed, it will benefit XXX. I don't know if there is a process for applying for this batch of materials? Please provide it, thank you.
Scenario 2: How to seek cooperation?
There is a famous saying that goes like this: "People do things for their reasons, not for yours."
When we're going to ask for cross-departmental collaboration, it's important to find both sides' interests and respect each other.
Communication Template 1: Cooperation Point + Interests of Others + Consultation
For example:
Hello, hello, I heard that you are working on XX project, and we happen to be working on XXX. I took a look at the XXX link, I should be able to help you. How about we make an appointment in a meeting room at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon to discuss the cooperation of this project?
Communication template 2: explain the working background, explain the common interests, disassemble the needs, agree on time/leadership endorsement
1) Explain the work background and try to understand it as soon as possible
When cross-departmental collaboration is required, you start by giving the other party a short background explanation of why you need the other party's support.
Speech: The company headquarters will go to the branch to investigate the business situation. I am preparing this month's business report...
2) State common interests and actively seek support
When collaborating with equal levels and equal rights across departments, you must have the ability to think differently. Why the other party supports you can explain the mutual interest in doing so, and actively seek the other party's positive support.
Words: In the operation report, we will include the situation of our two departments, and make an overall description of our performance in the past few months. The headquarters will see the results more intuitively...
3) Disassemble the demand and dispel the other party's fear of difficulty
The reason why many cross-departmental cooperations do not get a response is probably that the other party finds it troublesome and has a certain fear of difficulty. You have to disassemble the requirements, simplify complicated things, and list the content you want to cooperate with as one, two, and three, which is clear and simple.
Speaking skills: I want two documents, the first is the sales data of your department in the last three months; the second is the pre-sales consultation data in the last six months...
4) Agreed time and leadership approval
Tasks are decomposed clearly, and there is also a time agreement, forming a closed loop of communication and collaboration.
Speaking Skills: Can you send it to me before you get off work on Wednesday?
Finally, in order to promote the enthusiasm of the other party, you might as well bring the leader's endorsement.
Oral skills: After the operation report is written, Mr. X will read it again.
In this way, the other party will do their best to cooperate with your high-quality work, so that cross-departmental communication that is easy to practice Tai Chi will no longer be difficult.
To get help from others, we first need to identify our own needs and establish clear goals and plans. By communicating with others and expressing our needs, we are better able to receive support and cooperation. At the same time, we also need to realize that everyone has their own affairs to deal with, so we need to give equal attention and help. Based on mutual understanding and support, we are able to build strong relationships and achieve personal and team success together. So, let us start now, count in our hearts, and create better opportunities and cooperation for ourselves and others!