From the course: Time Management Fundamentals

Saying no to others

From the course: Time Management Fundamentals

Saying no to others

“

There's one word that's more powerful than any other when it comes to focusing your time. That word is no. As you become more productive, others may see your success and want you to participate in new projects, but your time is limited. So whenever you say yes to one thing, you're essentially saying no to something else. To keep your previous commitments, you'll often need to decline new opportunities. You won't always say no, but it's important to say no more than you say yes. Sometimes, a simple no thank you is all that's required. Here are a couple of tips to help with that. First, you might ask for the request through e-mail or a message. This allows you to consider the request in a calm environment. You can assess whether you truly have the time to participate and prepare a diplomatic and kind response in case you need to decline. And let's be honest, some people might not follow through and send that e-mail. Sometimes people ask for help on a whim because you're face-to-face. A brief delay gives them the opportunity to back out gracefully or not follow through. Second, sometimes saying no is often about asking the question when. This is a way of saying not now, but later. Let's say your boss or a customer makes a request. You might say yes while asking for a specific when, specifically ask for a completion date and time. Many delegate tasks to others without providing clear deadlines. This mistake causes confusion and wastes time. Instead, ask something like, when is the deadline for this report? That will help them get clear about their expectations while helping you prioritize your calendar. A tactful no is powerful. It can help you protect your time budget and focus your attention on what is most valuable.

Contents