Managing a negotiation with your boss takes some planning and finesse. Luckily, Life Hacker did all the hard work for you, reaching out to experts to find the best tactics. If you don’t know what you want, how can you tell your boss—let alone convince him or her? Most of us have a few items we’d like to get from our boss, so rank them to help prioritize. For example, maybe you really want to take that full month off for your wedding overseas (that’s a ten). Other items, like casual Friday, might be nice but aren’t a top priority (that’s a two).

Life Hacker asked me why I use the ranking system, and it’s really part of a self-guide. I only like to “show my cards” when necessary, so ranking is kept for my eyes only. Your boss, or anyone else you’re negotiating with, also has their owned ranked priorities. Finding common ground is critical. Knowing your number, and having a value on it that only you know, helps get this process started.

Find out more about ranking for negotiating here:

 

Rate Your Wants from One to Ten Before Negotiating with Your Boss-with John Rampton