learn how to say no

موضوع: learn how to say no 30/9/2011, 10:13 am

20 Ways To Say No
I am in the middle of several projects***
Let people know when you have accepted other responsibilities
No need to make excuses if you don't have any free time
No one will fault you for having already filled your plate
I am not comfortable with that***
You might be uncomfortable with any of a number of issues
The people involved, the type of work, the morale implications, etc.
This is a very respectful way to avoid a sticky situation

I am not taking on any new responsibilities****

You aren't saying that you will never help out again
Lust that you feel your schedule is as full as you would like now
Understanding your limits is a talent to be expected

I am not the most qualified person for the job****

If you don't feel that you have adequate skills, that's okay
It's better to admit your limitations up front
The best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed down the road
I do not enjoy that kind of work***

Life isn't about drudgery -- if you don't enjoy it, why do it?
Don't be afraid to let someone know you just don't want to
Someone else is bound to enjoy the work you don't
I do not have any more room in my calendar***

Be honest if your schedule is filled
"Filled" doesn't have to mean really filled
Know when you are scheduled as much as you are willing and stop
I hate to split my attention among projects****

Let people know that you want to do a good job for them
But you can't when your focus is too divided or splintered
You will be more effective if you focus on one project at a time
I have another commitment****

It doesn't matter what the commitment is
It can even simply be time to yourself or with friends or family
You don't have to justify -- you simply aren't available

I have no experience with that***
Volunteering shouldn't mean learning an entirely new set of skills
Suggest that they find someone who has experience in that area
Offer to help out with something that you already know how to do

I know you will do a wonderful job yourself***
People often ask for help because they doubt their own abilities
Let them know that you have confidence they will succeed
You are actually doing them a favor in the long run

I need to focus more on my personal life***
Don't be ashamed of wanting to spend time with your family
Having a strong family is an important priority in and of itself
Be willing to put your personal needs first

I need to focus on my career right now****
Often, you have to focus your energies on a work-related task
You may have to give up some civic or community duties
If you don't do it, someone else will take on the task

I need to leave some free time for myself***
It's okay to be selfish -- in a good way!
Treat your personal time like any other appointment
Block off time in your calendar and guard it with your life

I would rather decline than do a mediocre job***
Know when you aren't going to be able to deliver a quality product
The reason doesn't matter -- not enough time, wrong skills, etc.
Whatever the reason is enough for turning a request down

I would rather help out with another task***
Saying no doesn't mean that you can't help at all
If someone asks you to do something you really despise, refuse
Then offer to help with something you find more enjoyable

Let me hook you up with someone who can do it***
If you aren't available to help out, offer another qualified resource
Helping to connect people is a valuable service to offer
Make sure the person you refer will represent you well
,,,,,,,,No,,,,,
Sometimes it's okay to just say no!*
Just say it in a way that expresses respect and courtesy Leave the door open for good relations

Not right now, but i can do it later*
[/COLOR][/B]If you really want to help but don't have time, say so
Offer to help at a later time or date
If they can't wait for you, they'll find someone else

[Some things have come up that need my attention*
expected things happen that throw your schedule off
Accept that you may need to make a few adjustments
It is temporary and you will have more time when life stabilizes

This really is not my strong suit*
It's okay to admit your limitations
Knowing what you can handle and what you can't is a skill
Your time will be more efficiently spent on something you do well