The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

214 / BECOMING MORE EFFECTIVE

Saying “no”

Successful people know what they want and how they are going to get

it, and say “no” when what they are being asked to do doesn’t fit in with

their plans. Being successful is as much about what you decide not to

do as what you decide to do.

Maintaining a balance

We all have to keep a balance in our lives. You have

to balance what your employer wants from you with

what you get from your employer. The latter doesn’t

only mean money, but also the training you receive,

the experience you get, and the opportunities that

working for the company opens up for your career.

Assessing work time

You also have to balance your working life and your

family life. If you want to get ahead, the company

you work for will expect some commitment and

flexibility, but you do not have to be a doormat.

Decide how much time you are willing to give to

the company and how much you will keep for your

family, and then stick to it consistently. There will

be times when intensive effort is required and

you may have to put in long hours, but if

your employer doesn’t reciprocate,

you should consider your position.

STRIKE A

BALANCE

Fight the urge to

work long hours

to try to impress

your bosses. For

a senior position,

employers prefer

a well-rounded

individual to

a workaholic.

Tip

Decide how much

time you are

willing to give

to the company

and how much

you will keep for

your family, and

then stick to it

US_214-215_Saying_no.indd 214 30/05/16 3:03 pm