Ever been in a sticky situation and weren’t sure when’s the right time to ask your colleague, supervisor or boss that question you’ve been mulling over all day? This happens to the best of us and the longer you sit on it, the bigger the situation appears to be (even when it isn’t). What if we told you there exists a moment that is the best time to ask, enquire or suggest whatever tickles your fancy? Oh yes, there is!
Eat A Horse
We aren’t unfamiliar with the effects of hunger. While it makes us moody it also impacts the decision making process… very negatively. Research has shown that those in authoritative positions are more likely to make a harsh decision when they’re hungry as opposed to the decision being made just after lunch (with a full tummy). The same goes for scheduling meetings. It’s always a good idea to schedule a meeting after lunch hour, safe in the knowledge that everyone responsible for the decision to work in your favour has already eaten their fill.
However, there seems to be a preferred time and day of the week for this post-lunch meeting, dubbed the “most agreeable time”. It’s actually on a Tuesday at exactly 3 pm. This hour is not too long neither too soon after lunch – it’s the ideal time while mental functioning is still at its peak, and it’s before the start of the midweek slump.
Getting It Done
Delegating work is only fun when you know you’re handing it over to the right person and at the right time. Turns out our friend Tuesday takes the spotlight again: Tuesday is rated the most productive day of the week. So if you’ve got something a little complicated to request and it can wait until a Tuesday, let it wait until a Tuesday. Flexibility also peaks after lunch so if you’ve got a favour to ask, along with that task, fire away on a Tuesday.
Want A Raise?
Don’t we all. Studies show that people become more agreeable and open up during the latter half of the week. And for this reason, the best day of the week to ask for a raise is a Thursday. Thursdays and Fridays are the two days where most people become flexible and accommodating, opening the door to ask that one question we all play around with for a long time: “Can I get a raise?”. But hey, if this doesn’t work out for you, we are not responsible for any disappointment experienced thereof.
The next time you’re unsure of when’s the right time to ask a question or request a favour, think about filled tummies and avoiding Monday and Wednesday completely (maybe Friday, depending on what you’re asking for)!
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