We all know how hard it is to say “No” in today’s workplace culture. We’re constantly being asked to attend events, complete tasks and make decisions that may not benefit us or our career. So, how do we say no in a productive and positive way to ensure that our career or workload isn’t going to suffer? While being a team player is important, at the end of the day, completing your role and existing tasks should always come first.
Take each task as it comes
There is no point saying no to everything or eventually, you will talk your way out of a job. Listen to the task and if you can’t immediately decide if you can or can’t do it, ask if you can come back with an answer by the end of the day. If the task is something you can complete without too much hassle and without taking away from your works in progress, it won’t hurt to say yes. If the task is something that will take up a substantial amount of your time, while not remotely being part of your job description, say no.
It is important not to be afraid to say no,
Even though it can be intimidating at times, saying “No” is sometimes the best response. If you’re able to say no and give a valid reason, we can almost guarantee the person asking will understand and respect your decision. After all, your boss would much prefer one job well done than three incomplete jobs, on account of you saying yes to too many things.
It’s not weak to speak
Remember that saying no is not showing weakness or inability. It’s simply showing that you know your limits and you’re aware of how much you can realistically achieve. It’s also important to say no when being asked to complete tasks outside of work hours. Let’s be honest, we spend enough of our lives at work. In the case that you do need to attend a weekend or evening event, take a late night call or be present on an email over the weekend, ensure you document this time and take an extra break. Our best advice, say no to social media outside of work hours unless it’s part of your salary. Negotiation is always an option when saying yes to a task that is “off the clock”.
While saying no seems hard, and pleasing your boss is always front of mind, it is important to know your strengths and boundaries rather than taking on too much and under-delivering. It’s often not what you say, it’s all about how you say it. It’s a tough thing to do but the rewards will be beneficial in the long run.
Comment