By Aaron Burns
CITYVIEW
In any stage of your career, there is a desire to be someone others can rely on. Whether you are just starting out or are an industry veteran, your reputation matters. People notice who raises their hand when something needs to be done. They remember who steps up without any hesitation. It is easy to think that being dependable means always being available. Over time, that pattern can leave you constantly busy, yet still feeling as if the most important work is not getting done.
In our last MVP meeting, it became clear that many of us struggle with these urges to prove ourselves. While it is often associated with young professionals, I suspect that many leaders face the same situations.
Saying “no” can feel uncomfortable, especially in the workplace. There is pressure to be capable and dependable, especially if you are early in your career. You may want to be seen as reliable and easy to work with, so you say “yes.” Yes, to the extra project. Yes, to something outside of your role. Yes, to one more commitment added to your already full schedule.
There is power in the word “no” when you recognize that it does not have to be a negative term. You can be strategic with its use. In many cases, saying “no” to one request is saying “yes” to something else. That is how you can give yourself permission to say it.
Your “no” does not have to be a one-word answer either. Try using “no, but…”
Another way to respond is you can qualify your “yes” with additional terms:
The next time a task or opportunity is presented, pause before answering. Ask yourself if it aligns with the goals you have set. Consider whether it builds your skills or if it only adds another block to your calendar. Remember, not every good opportunity is the right opportunity at this time.
This is personal for me. One of my goals this year is to improve at finishing a task once I start. That requires discipline. I can’t keep adding new commitments if I’m leaving things unfinished. I have to be more selective and comfortable with saying “no.” I don’t see this as a lack of ambition, but focus.
CITYVIEW
In any stage of your career, there is a desire to be someone others can rely on. Whether you are just starting out or are an industry veteran, your reputation matters. People notice who raises their hand when something needs to be done. They remember who steps up without any hesitation. It is easy to think that being dependable means always being available. Over time, that pattern can leave you constantly busy, yet still feeling as if the most important work is not getting done.
In our last MVP meeting, it became clear that many of us struggle with these urges to prove ourselves. While it is often associated with young professionals, I suspect that many leaders face the same situations.
Saying “no” can feel uncomfortable, especially in the workplace. There is pressure to be capable and dependable, especially if you are early in your career. You may want to be seen as reliable and easy to work with, so you say “yes.” Yes, to the extra project. Yes, to something outside of your role. Yes, to one more commitment added to your already full schedule.
There is power in the word “no” when you recognize that it does not have to be a negative term. You can be strategic with its use. In many cases, saying “no” to one request is saying “yes” to something else. That is how you can give yourself permission to say it.
Your “no” does not have to be a one-word answer either. Try using “no, but…”
- “No, but I could do this instead.”
- “No, but I can help next month.”
Another way to respond is you can qualify your “yes” with additional terms:
- “Yes, if we can get so-and-so on the team as well.”
- “Yes, after I hit these deadlines.”
The next time a task or opportunity is presented, pause before answering. Ask yourself if it aligns with the goals you have set. Consider whether it builds your skills or if it only adds another block to your calendar. Remember, not every good opportunity is the right opportunity at this time.
This is personal for me. One of my goals this year is to improve at finishing a task once I start. That requires discipline. I can’t keep adding new commitments if I’m leaving things unfinished. I have to be more selective and comfortable with saying “no.” I don’t see this as a lack of ambition, but focus.