How to deal with requests from your boss or client?

Would you just say NO to your boss when they ask you to help them fix their computer at home this weekend? Or would you just say YES but deep down you really hate to do this using your weekend time?  

Tell you what, my colleagues who work in the IT outsourcing field would not really dare to say No to their boss or client. It is very brusque (rude) and even risky to say NO to your client or boss especially in China. The reason is rooted in the Confucian doctrine that prevails in the Asian cultures. You are supposed to “obey” a person who is superior (having a higher rank) to you, especially when you work for this person.  

However, is there a way for you to work an angle (to make something suit your needs or purposes) about this? There is such a way and I am going to write about it for you.  

Remember, what your boss/ client asks you to do is just a request, not a complaint. In the service industry, a request is a statement or act of asking for some extra products or services beyond the service scope. The word “extra” means what your boss asks you to do is outside of your job responsibilities. You have a right to think about whether you have to grant (to allow someone to have or do what they want) the request or not. You may ask yourself this question “Is it really that easy for me to do this favor?”  

So first, instead of giving a YES or No answer directly, you may explain to your boss/ client the difficulties in fulfilling the request. Use polite language in your explanation though. For example, if you have already made a plan for this weekend, you may say:  

“I’m afraid that helping you fix your computer this weekend is not so possible because I have made a travel plan for the weekend. My girlfriend/ boyfriend really looks forward to this trip. ” 

Or  “Unfortunately, it won’t be possible to come to your home this weekend to fix your computer because I have made an appointment with the dentist and I may have a small surgery then.” 

Knowing your difficulties, your boss/ client should start to understand the predicament (a difficult situation) that they have put you in now. But people don’t stop unless they find a solution to the problem. Then why don’t you offer a solution to the requestor by giving some extra conditions?  

The following solutions can be good enough to show that you do care about your boss/ client’s request and you may impress your boss/ client by your solution providing skills: 

Solution #1: “However, as you need to use your computer this weekend, if you can bring your computer to the office this Friday morning, I can have a look at it.” (condition: changing the deadline)

Solution #2: “On the other hand, I know a computer maintenance store just near the office. They fixed my computer last time at a very low price. You may call this number to get a technician for door-to-door service.” (condition: recommending another company)

Solution #3: “The only thing I can suggest is that you can ask our colleague Jim to check your computer. I know that he just lives next door to you!” (condition: recommending another person) 

So which one is your favorite? : P