The last time you floated an idea to the team, a group of opponents shouted you down with such force that they rattled you, and you let the idea drop. Next time, use these potent phrases to monopolize the conversation long enough for you to convince the "silent majority" on the team to support your idea.

If you want to get the most for your money when booking meeting or event space, you need to negotiate, says Anthony Coyle-Dowling. Don’t just accept the price you’ve always paid for the place you usually use or take the first price you’re quoted at a new location.

Winning over your boss and co-workers to "see things your way" is a key component of success. Here are three ways to raise the odds that you'll get what you want.

“Is anyone receiving raises?” That’s what one admin asked recently. “I’ve been told performance reviews will be coming up soon. I want to be prepared. How do you bring it up? How do you know how much to ask for? I’d like to stay in this position, but I’m only making ends meet.”

How can someone convince her boss she deserves more money, without revealing that she knows she’s being underpaid? Three steps:

You’re expecting an afternoon meeting to be stressful and charged with emotion. Should you provide coffee for your boss and the other meeting attendees? Or is all that caffeine likely to do more harm than good?