Coming in at #2: Sit tight.
Have you ever asked for a…
raise
promotion
transfer
new/different boss
work-from-home option
budget increase to fund a great idea
…and been told to “sit tight for now”?
Look at all those hands raised!
Everyone once in a while, it will be great advice.
But mostly it’s a dodge, a kick-the-can-down-the-road situation, an unwillingness to advocate for you.
And when your spidey senses tell you that “sitting tight” is a euphemism for “let’s hope she forgets about this conversation,” you are probably right.
So, what should you do?
We have three suggestions – and they all have to do with communication! Amazing.
1. Put it in writing – via email. Convey your appreciation for their time and for considering your pitch and that you are willing to sit tight…ready?… for the short-term. It’s OK to let them know that you have a window.
2. Wait for that specific amount of time, then ask for an update. If the information you get back is vague, or there is no response, ask for another meeting. Here are some classic responses we’ve seen:
“The timing is not right.”
“We have bigger issues to deal with right now.”
“I’m so busy I have not had a chance to….”
3. Be ready to repeat yourself and add to the pitch: remind the decision-maker of your reasons for asking – strengths, accomplishments, rationale for why and how everyone wins if you are granted the request, and then define your parameters with a question like this:
Is there anything else you need in order to make the decision within the next two weeks?
Sitting tight should always come with a sell-by date.
Better advice: Advocate for yourself and don’t take “meh” for an answer.