Making bolder requests improves outcomes, expert says
Fear of rejection limits people's ability to achieve their goals. An expert from Fast Company argues that making bolder requests builds resilience and leads to better results.
The fear of rejection is a significant impediment to agency and achieving desired outcomes, according to an expert writing for Fast Company. The article posits that making audacious requests is the most efficient way to build resilience against rejection.
Many individuals over-assess which requests are socially acceptable and which are too extreme, thus avoiding situations that might lead to denial. This fear causes people to forgo asking for opportunities that could lead to new jobs, mentorship, funding, or salary negotiations.
The piece highlights that rejection should not be viewed as an existential threat but rather as a form of information. When a request is denied, it signals that a particular avenue is closed, freeing up individuals to explore other options.
Rather than avoiding rejection, the article suggests welcoming it. If one does not routinely encounter rejection, they are likely making requests that are too safe. By developing a tolerance for rejection, one's requests become more confident, increasing their likelihood of success.
Furthermore, bold requests can serve as a filter for identifying potentially interested clients or collaborators, and they can also pave the way for smaller, more reasonable requests due to the principle of social reciprocity.