Learn to Say No Responsibly

In the corporate world, saying "no" is a form of business etiquette. In fact, it is a valuable part of your business skills. The question is how to say no without coming off as being manipulative or even abusive. There are times when saying no gets you in trouble. Luckily there are some easy ways to learn how to say no responsibly.

First, you need to take a hard look at yourself. Are you being fair to other people? Are you treating others the way you would like to be treated? By understanding your behavior and the potential consequences of saying "no," you will be able to choose the right approach.

Next, if you are feeling ambivalent about your answer, you may want to reconsider saying yes. Sometimes what seems like a good idea at first may end up costing you more than it is worth. If you feel pressured into agreeing to something you may not truly feel comfortable with, you may find yourself saying "no" when you really do not have to. Just think of the alternative: agreeing to something that may cause more problems than it solves. It's better to face the situation and deal with it if you can't handle it on your own.

Finally, if you are really struggling with holding your word, ask yourself why you are giving yourself this extra responsibility. Do you really believe that saying "no" is actually hurting your company more than giving in? For many, the answer is a clear no. If you feel that saying no is actually creating more work for you and your employees, then it's time to step back and re-evaluate your decision making process. Sometimes taking a hard look at your decision-making processes can help clarify your position.

Even if you feel that you have a solid case, don't be afraid to take further action. You may be surprised by how quickly you can get additional time or a reduced amount of responsibility from your boss. There is no harm or loss of control in stepping up to your boss and asking for a break. In fact, this may be exactly what your company needs to jump start moving forward in a positive direction!

Ultimately, you want to learn to say no responsibly. You want to make sure that you are benefiting yourself and your business the most. Saying no to certain responsibilities puts people in an uncomfortable situation, and may lead them to act in ways that negatively impact not only themselves but their employers as well. It's important to learn to say no properly, to allow for flexibility, and to be aware that you may not get everything you want. Still, if you follow these tips, you will be better equipped to manage your word lists and remain satisfied with the outcomes.