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Work & Career

Why it is okay to say 'No' in office

12 Oct, 2016

Source : ThinkStock Photos

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Why it is okay to say 'No' in office

Refusing help at workplace may not be easy, but as Steve Jobs said: "It's
only by saying 'No' that you can concentrate on the things that are really

important." Here's how you can say no without earning the tag of 'not a
team player' or damaging your professional relationships.

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Saying 'No' to your boss

Think through the consequences. The reason you said no should be
because you don't have either adequate time or the required skills.
Try to help your boss by finding the right resources or alternatives. Offer
your indirect support by contributing to other areas or freeing up one of
your team members.
Politely convey you message in person and avoid using email for the
purpose because it can be misinterpreted. Also, avoid detailed
explanations because it will invite more discussions and come across

negatively.
Seek your manager's help in re-prioritising your work and see if you can
drop another task to fulfil the current request.

3/6

Saying 'No' to your colleague

Communicate directly. Listen well, understand and then be
straightforward about your reasons.
Treat each request independently. Do some other favour for your
colleague which will help you avoid the feeling of guilt.
Don't indulge in self-deprecation as your colleague may wrongly believe
that you are seeking appreciation or flattery and may redouble her

efforts to get your agreement.

Don't offer false hope by saying maybe or that 'It's going to be tough but
I will try my best.' When you say no, your colleague has a better chance
of getting the work done by other means.

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Saying 'No' to your junior

If you have to say no to a request for, say, an extra leave, be polite and
gentle. Your tone has a huge impact on your relationship.
Over communicate. It helps the person understand your thinking, retain
enthusiasm and establishes you are saying no to the idea and not the
person.

After you have said no, ask open-ended questions. His response will
confirm whether he got your intent and content. If there is a
miscommunication, clear up the air before you disengage.

5/6

Saying 'No' to your customer

Give the customer the space and time to communicate. Then
summarise the key points so that the customer is satisfied that you have
understood his requirement.
Before you say no, tell your customer how important he is to you as a
person and that you want to do the best possible for him.
A positive communication does not always retain a client but a negative

one will lose the deal. Offer a detailed and rational explanation with
every no.
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