The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

SAYING “NO” / 215

Getting it right

Use your judgment to assess when and

how often you say no. It doesn’t look

good if you are seen as someone who

always says no, or who only says no to

the difficult jobs, so make sure that you

get the balance right. When saying no is

appropriate, do so quickly and politely.

Evaluating the project

You may sometimes find yourself in the

situation where colleagues try to offload

work on to you because they don’t want

to do it themselves, and they see you as

being accommodating enough to do their

work for them. If this happens, think very

carefully before you accept. Assess the

situation: if there really is a crisis and you

can help, then of course you should do

so. However, if there are no good reasons

and you feel the other person may make

a habit of offloading their work, you

should say no. Do this politely but firmly.

Do not make complicated excuses, just

say something like: “I’m sorry, but I

can’t help out this time. I have a heavy

workload myself.”

THINK IT THROUGH

Think about the impact your

decision to say no could have.

For example, if your boss or

a friend is in serious trouble,

saying no to helping out could

damage your relationship

with them.

Tip

ASK YOURSELF...

What’s in it for me? YES NO

1 Am I doing this because I have to, rather than because I want to?

2 If I have to do it, will I get something in return? ..............................

3 If I have to do it, can I make the task more enjoyable,

or develop the task to align more with my goals? ..........................

4 If I have to do it, will I receive recognition? .....................................

5 If I do this, will it help me achieve my goals

and ambitions? ..................................................................................

6 If I do this, will it give me an experience that can go

on my résumé? ..................................................................................

7 If I do it, how can I maximize the benefit? .......................................

8 If I say no, will there be consequences? ..........................................

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