10 STRATEGIES FOR SAYING NO
Strategy #1: Be direct and straightforward
To be clear when you decline requests. Don’t beat around the bush. Don’t equivocate
Justifies your decision as reasoned and practical.
Be honest about your reason for turning down the requestor. Resist the temptation to make something up
Strategy #2: Don't stall for time
Don’t stall
Be direct and clear
Strategy #3: Replace "no" with another word
I can’t commit to that right now because I’m focused on a high - priority project.
I’d like to help you, but I’m swamped with this project right now
People are depending on me to finish this project. If I abandon it to help you, I’d be letting them down
Strategy #4: Resist the urge to offer excuses
Turn down the request with a simple no
Resist the temptation to say more
Strategy #5: Take ownership of your decision
When you must turn down a request or invitation. Instead of telling the requestor, “I can’t,” tell him or her: "I don’t want to.”
Give a reason if you suspect doing so will defuse a potentially combative response
Strategy #6: Ask the requestor to follow up later
Can revisit it later, and make your final decision, even if you ultimately decide that you don’t want to help
Not obligating yourself to say yes when the requestor follows up
Strategy #7: Avoid lying about your availability
Rather than lying about your availability and feeling guilty for doing so, you develop a strong sense of personal agency
Learn to rely on your own reasoning when deciding whether to consent to, or turn down, requests and invitations
Strategy #8: Offer an alternative
If you’re currently helping the requestor with another task or project, options can also take the form of an either-or decision
If helping the requestor requires handling multiple tasks, offer to handle a smaller number as an alternative
Options usually come in the form of mentioning others who might be able to help in your stead.
Strategy #9: Suggest another person who's better qualified
Not simply saying no and leaving. you’re helping them by referring her to a qualified, and potentially valuable, resource
Strategy #10: Describe your lack of bandwidth
You actually need to have a busy day ahead of you
By describing your lack of bandwidth in detail, you’re letting the requestor know that you have other responsibilities