It's Time to Learn to Say 'No'
How often do you say "no"?
Saying "no" is an important skill to master. There are many times when it comes in useful:
- When dealing with unreasonable colleagues
- When dealing with unreasonable clients
- When what you are asked is just not possible
- When you are too busy to help
- When your time is better spent doing something else
The trouble is that often it is hard to say "no." We feel bad for saying it. Or we feel that we ought to accommodate someone’s wishes, no matter how unrealistic they are. And, sometimes, we are just not sure about how to say it.
What’s the best way to say "no"?
The best way to say "no" is to offer an alternative. Here are some ideas:
- I can do what you want provided you can release from the other task you requested me to do recently.
- I can accommodate the delivery date you requested if you change the specification to XYZ.
- This can’t be done: But this alternative solution can be done.
- I just don’t have the time to help you with this: Have you talked to XYZ?
- I’d love to help you with this, but task X has my priority at the moment.
As with many negotiations, it helps if you can work out an alternative solution for the other party
Sometimes the solution isn’t as black and white as saying "no." When you need to work out a more complicated response, the NICE system can work really well. Learn how to use the system in The Print Industry Negotiation Handbook.
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- Business Management - Industry Trends
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