Getting Your Boss to Say Yes

By Marty Nemko

Ever notice how some employees seem to get whatever they want while others, with equally good ideas, are lucky to get permission to go to the bathroom? One reason is that they know how to tailor their pitch to their boss's decision-making style. Is your boss more fact- or feeling-driven? Fast- or slow-paced? It's easy to tell. When he makes a case, does he mainly cite facts or feelings? Does she do it quickly or leisurely? Mirror your boss's style and you're more likely to get that project, raise, or time off to see your kid's baseball game.