HOW TO SAY NO POLITELY

INTRODUCTION:
The word NO itself implies that if it is not put across politely it can give a wrong impression.

There are lot of instances that we come across when we have to say NO

Talking from the organization perespective, we often fall under circumstances where we
have to refuse certain orders from our superiors, refuse to accept what has been told or
what has been done by our peers, have to reject new proposals, invitations etc. But there is
a way in which this refusal or rejection is to be done – the way is to be polite and not making
it sound abrupt.

One must understand that the word NO should not be used in a direct manner but to be
used tactfully – which we will see further..... END OF PRATIKS PART.

DIFFICULTIES IN SAYING NO
What are the main difficulties that people face while saying NO ?

Hurt : for eg- by saying no to a request made in an organization can hurt the people who are
associated with you in that job- this is one of the difficulties faced by the person saying NO

Anger : for eg- your boss is an angry person and does not like NO for an answer. You often
hesitate in saying no to such superiors as you are not prepared for the reprecussions.

Disappointment : for eg- your boss has lot of expectations from you everytime when
something is meant for you to do, so you cannot say NO to him as he would get
disappointed of you in denying his orders.

Saying NO in a harsh manner in a way can hamper your work and others work as well
because the superior will not wait for your acceptance of the job and will pass on the work
to others and this will increase their work load.

It can also jeopardize the good relationship that was existing between you and your
collegues.... END OF BAJEES PART.

WAYS TO SAY NO POLITELY :

There are certain ways that we must follow while saying NO politely :
In a sympathetic manner : I am sorry, but i cannot do this right now ! ( if you are assigned
with multiple tasks but you cannot complete all as you are already overburdened)

Unavailability : NO, thanks, not this time as i am unavailable due to the tight schedule for
this week, we can fix up some other time. Thank you for asking.

Firm : Sorry, but NO. Cases where you are asked to do something that is against your
principles and morals like you are asked to spy on the competitors product policies.

Request : Please accept that i cannot come. Eg- when your boss has asked you to work
during diwali and you have family commitments which are important as well you have yo
put it accordingly.

Indirect : i’d rather not do this – being diplomatic in your rejection of a request or a
proposal. END OF PART...

SITUATIONS
Taking up new commitments:

When you are already working on an assignment in the organization and suddenly your boss
gives you another assignment which you cannot do possibly because of lack of knowledge in
the new assignment as its from a different field or due to overburden.

Transfers:

You are based in Mumbai Head Office of your company but due to resignation of an
employee in the Nagpur branch you are transferred to that office. You are not willing to
transfer there as your family is also in Mumbai, you are well versed with the Mumbai
market.

Personal Situations:

You have been asked to work on a project during a particular month of the year but due to
some unforeseen contingency you are unable to work on that project possibly due to death
of a family member or family member who is critical and admitted in the hospital.

Exploitation :

Your boss is continuously pressurising you with loads of work and also delegating you part of
his personal work purely on basis of exploitation ,you have to keep cool and refuse politely
which would not hamper your impression.
Doing work under the dignity:

You have been asked to do petty jobs in the company like making cold calls to clients to fix
up meeting which is actually not your job as per your qualifications. END OF PIYUSH AND
MITESH PART.

ASSERTIVENESS:

Being assertive is very vital in all forms of communication. Its absolutely essential to be
assertive while you are saying NO as it will not make you look hesitant and fearful but would
also help you to tactfully face the situation in a positive manner.

Tips of being Assertive in situations where you have to say NO to unfair requests and
demands in an organization are –

Be sure of where you stand- while rejecting the unfair request make sure you are firm on
your reasons whatever it may be .

Ask for clarifications: when the matter which is discussed is ambigious , we must ask for full
clarifications of the matter before completely accepting or rejecting it .

Be as brief as possible- give legitimate reasons for your refusal, avoid being too long in
justification as it might lead to arguments

Make sure your non verbal gestures match your verbal messages shake your head firmly
while saying NO giving a firm response.

Make use of words like I WONT, I SHOULDNT I CANT... END OF KHYATI PART.