What is it you want, anyway?

Clarity is the key to getting what you want. I don't just mean clarity in asking someone else for what you want. You also need to be clear with yourself.

What do you want? What do you need? What is your bottom line?

Now, think about the person you are asking for help. If you can provide them something of value, you are part of the way to setting up a relationship of reciprocity with them.

In IT, a lot of the things that we need are things that we will need again tomorrow, and the day after that. It is in your best interest to find a way to build a reciprocal relationship of trust with the other person.