Who can rise rapidly to the top?

1. When your leader asks if you’re busy. You shouldn’t say: “It’s okay—I’m not busy.” You should say: “Leader, I’m writing the post-project review document for Project W (currently busy with xX—emphasize that I’m doing the work, very busy). If you have something, please tell me! The most important thing is to let him finish speaking first, and then consider your specific response.”

2. When work can’t be pushed forward. You shouldn’t say: “Colleague xx isn’t cooperating.” You should say: “Leader, I’ve run into the xx problem and I need your support.”

3. When the leader asks what other opinions you have. You shouldn’t say: “No opinions.” You should say: “You’ve covered it very comprehensively. There’s nothing to add. I’ll go ahead and execute first; if I run into any issues, I’ll come ask you for guidance.”

4. When the tasks assigned by the leader exceed your ability. You shouldn’t say: “I can’t do it.”
You should say: “Thank you for your trust. Even though this task is challenging for me, I will do my best to get it done properly. If I truly can’t, I’ll ask you.”

5. When the leader shows concern. You shouldn’t say: “It’s fine—I’m not tired.” You should say: “Thank you, Leader, for your concern. I’ve learned a lot from it. If there are any aspects where I didn’t do well, please give me your guidance. It’s only because you’re orchestrating everything behind the scenes that allowed me to achieve today’s results by adding effort—compared with you, our hardships are nothing to mention.”

6. When the leader says “thank you” to you. You shouldn’t say: “You’re welcome.” You should say: “That’s the right thing to do. Thank you for entrusting me with important work. I’ve also learned a lot because of it. If there are any shortcomings, please feel free to point them out at any time.”