Scott WatsonExecutive Coach for Board Level Leaders, Summit Consulting and Training Ltd · Executive Coach for Time-Poor C-Suite Leaders Who Need Results - Fast | Board Level Facilitator | Emotional Intelligence Expert |

Want Your Boss to Say Yes? Do This First!

20 Jul 2026 · 1 min

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In this concise career‑leadership monologue, Scott Watson explains that gaining influence with a manager isn’t about phrasing requests better but about providing value before asking. He notes that leaders are constantly busy and under pressure, so presenting them with a one‑page summary that outlines options, associated risks, and a clear recommendation removes work, reduces risk, and clarifies the path forward. By delivering this kind of pre‑emptive help, you make the boss’s job easier, trigger natural reciprocity, and increase the likelihood that your future asks will be approved.

Chapters

Before you ask your manager for anything, do this first. Influence with your boss isn't about asking better, it's about giving first. Leaders are often really busy, really stretched, and under pressure from stakeholders too. So when you bring them something that saves them time, makes their life easier, reduces risk, or increases clarity, you instantly build influence. Try this. Here's a one-page summary with options, risks, and my recommendation on the best way forward or how to proceed. Now you're not actually adding work. You're removing it. You're making life easier for them, and people naturally reciprocate to those who help them.