The art of saying no is very important in a managerial practice. In the opposite case, you can end up spending more time on other people's tasks than on your own ones. And exhaustion will come very soon. How, then, to reject correctly and create more room for yourself? American management consultant, speaker and author Peter Bregman recommends the following practical tips on the Harvard Business Review website:
1. Clarify what is important for you
If you want to learn how to say no confidently, you must first know what you want and don't want to spend your time on.
2. Express recognition
Thank everybody who trust you so much that he is asking you for help. Realize that it is not the same to thank and to agree.
3. Refuse the request, not the person
Show the person that you appreciate his work, enthusiasm, etc., so that he should not take your refusal personally.
4. Explain your reasons
Maybe you are too busy, maybe you are not the most competent person. Be specific and honest.
5. Don't get yourself persuaded
Be as persistent in your position as the other side. You can even explicitly mention that you appreciate the other person's persistence but you will not change your mind.
6. Train saying no in practice
Use a variety of everyday situations such as when a waiter offers you a dessert or if someone wants to sell you something on the street.
7. Prepare a preventive rejection
There are surly people around you who are constantly coming up to you with their requirements. In this case, you should show in advance that you don't have time for so frequent requests. Clearly arrange your cooperation.
8. Don't take your rejection as a lost opportunity
When you say no to something, don't feel disappointed that you have lost an interesting opportunity. On the contrary, you should be glad to be able to work on something that is more important to you.
9. Learn courage
Saying no to the requirements of other people needs courage and therefore you need to train it. Even if it's hard, you'll see that it's worth it.
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