Comments on: How to Say “No” and Reclaim Your Career

By: Chris Byers

Chris Byers — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 00:54:09 +0000

Great content! This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. Thanks for your help 🙂

By: Another People Pleaser

Another People Pleaser — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 14:56:22 +0000

Love this article, but want to hear HOW. Coming from a people pleaser myself, I need a few “go to” sayings I can feel confident in utilizing to push back on until I find my own confidence and words. Help with the how? Thanks so much for a relevant article.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 18:03:22 +0000

Emily, you end this article saying “best of luck using your new skill”

Saying “no” isn’t a skill, or something you’ve provided. You haven’t accomplished something with your article. You simply provided an example that people can ponder. Always saying Yes is a problem. Saying no is a responsibility.

Don’t expect a raise!

Kevin

By: Robert Giegerich

Robert Giegerich — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 05:40:18 +0000

I worked with Jack Welch and he taught me to just say No upfront. The killer word in English is maybe. Interestingly maybe means no in Japanese. It should mean no in English too

You have to take control of your destiny or someone else will was the title of one of Jack’s books. When you become important, everyone wants you but there are only 24 hours in your day too

Napoleon could not lead every charge but he could direct the army. Delegating and standing firm sre the keys. No has to mean no. If you waver once people believe you will do it again. When Jack said no, none of us thought he meant maybe.

By: Laura Gillenwater

Laura Gillenwater — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 15:46:44 +0000

There are also things you can say that aren’t a hard “no,” but don’t trap you into a full “yes,” either. For example, I had to say no recently to creating deliverables for a particular project, because of some superseding priorities, but I *was* able to say, “No, I can’t create stuff for this project for you, but I can share with you some information and tools that will help you to do it yourself, and am happy to be available for you to come to, if/when you need some quick advice, etc., along the way, if you’d like.”

When the request comes from my boss, then I don’t say “no,” I say “Well, I can’t get both x and y done by that deadline…which one would you rather I work on? Can one of those come after the other is done?” (This only works because my boss trusts me that I’m working to capacity, though.) If both things truly *have* to get done at the same time, then it’s time to discuss changing their scope or the quality level we’re aiming for, or paying for additional resources. (It’s the old “Fast, Cheap, Good – pick two” thing…)

By: Shannon GaNun

Shannon GaNun — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 15:25:53 +0000

I love this article, especially the quote by Yoda. I have come to detest when people say, “I’ll try.” I never let that be the final response from someone when I make a request. It’s so important to get a “yes” or a “no.” Learning to communicate clearly will benefit your professional and personal life greatly.

By: Robert Talmadge

Robert Talmadge — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 14:53:39 +0000

I am a huge Emily Hoffman fan! This article was characteristically well thought-out and written. Not convinced, tough, the “all about me” approach is the best choice 24/7. I began to carefully consider the consequences of the “just say no” mindset when I observed the impact imitating my behavior was having on the kids. They are always watching, but often aren’t able to appreciate the finer nuances of prioritization. To them, decisions seemed to be based on favoritism. I came away wondering if receiving a “no” doesn’t feel the same way to everyone at some level. So I started trying to consciously focus on the content behind a “no” until I can discern if the interpersonal resultant is acceptable to the requestor. Love your work, Emily; keep helping us with insightful messages!