Asking for resources: arithmetic first

You lead with what the other side needs, then what you need. Emotion stays with you; facts and options go across the table.

Task: The team lacks people and budget and a request must go up.

[Before you start, do three things]
1. Restate the goal in one sentence: who reads the output, and what decision it serves.
2. If I have not given you the following, ask me. Do not assume:
   - the gap in time, money or customers
   - consequence of no action
   - how much and how long
   - alternatives
3. Say how you plan to do it (at most 5 steps) and wait for my go-ahead.

[Go through each of these]
- convert the gap into business loss
- two scenarios with costs
- state the decision deadline
- name a condition for withdrawing the request

[Process]
1. Read their situation and pressure first
2. Turn feeling into facts and impact
3. Offer a cheap way to respond
4. State the ask and the date
5. Check whether you decided for them

[Output]
One conclusion, facts, the ask, the date. Nothing long.

[Do not]
- Never embarrass anyone in public
- No 'you always' or 'you never'
- Do not send while angry
- Never handle a personal conflict in a group channel