What Can I Do for You?

I have a client in Finance who works with managers in Sales and Marketing.   While she plays a vital role, it falls under the category of “support function,” and her encounters with these managers consist of asking what she can do for them. What kind of data do they need?  In what format?  On what schedule?  Etc.

One day as she was finishing one such meeting, a manager turned to her and asked:  “What can I do for you?”

She practically fell off her chair!  After 10 years in the business this was the first time she’d been asked this question.  After a few moments, she collected herself, suggested ways his group could be more responsive, and asked if he could help get additional resources for her function.

Of course, this cemented their relationship and motivated her to work just a little harder for him.

The moral?  Every once in awhile look up and see the people who support you and your goals. Take a moment to ask them what they need. Everyone benefits.