Related Posts
How much should I ask for for an Art Sup role?
Conversation Starter
Additional Posts in The Worklife Bowl
Rising Star
Most exotic name you’ve heard: drop below!
Conversation Starter
6, 8, or 9
Chief
Rising Star
Enthusiast
Chief
Rising Star
Rising Star
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
I also like ",that would be false expectations on your part"
Rising Star
I find #2 to be most effective. Give them a blank stare until they finally walk away to ask someone else.
Enthusiast
Change for one day to auto say no to EVERYTHING. Then gradually bring in yeses as needed. Extreme, but Worth trying! I personally just always take a sec to think before saying yes, or say yes to part of an ask/give a longer turnaround time to ensure I don't have too much at once.
Just say yes to things that move you forward, and no to things that are a time suck with no benefit
Saying ‘No’ comes more naturally as one becomes more confident and knowledgeable in their line of work, in my opinion.
For example, most (if not all) new associates are “Yes! Sure! You got it!” all the way. Managers are more realistic with expectations and requests but still try to please the partners. Partners are either “no, can’t, or.. maybe I’ll get to it next week”.
As long as you’re knowledgeable, I believe you can say NO from the beginning as an associate, as long as you back it up with realistic expectations. Trust me, this is appreciated much more than if you say “Yes” and never do/finish the work.
Good luck!
Rising Star
I suspect that there may be a bit of a hierarchal influence thing going on there.
When u find out lmk. I have this problem as well and it 20/10 leads to a ‘why didn’t you just say no?’
Therapy
Have you read I feel guilty when I say no? Helped me someone recommended it on here actually
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0553263900/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_idk7EbGGWGAQT
I said yes to 4:20. No is a no no.
Enthusiast
Are u 4.20 right now Director?
Rising Star
How about before “yes” or “no,” ask “what are your expectations?” Probe for deadline, expected duration (for bill by the hour folks), and the like.
I use this to flesh out (and flush out) requests that are mere time wasters, someone else’s “ugh, I don’t want to do this,” easy quick hits (that may sound difficult), and my boss typically (but not always) likes that I am actively managing my own “business.”
Rising Star
Practice
I mean this is really it. I’m not great at it myself yet but I’m getting better. I started answering requests with questions like “when do you need it by?” And “can I get to it next week?” When my boss asked me to do one more thing I’d ask “is this a higher priority than x y z tasks I’m working on?” What this did by itself was start getting people to think maybe they were imposing on my “yes” attitude. Now the people around me are asking if I have time/capacity instead of just asking me to do it, which makes it a LOT easier to say no if I need to, because then I’m just stating a factual answer to their question at that point.
No.
If you can't say no say yes but and make the but inconvenient enough they'll ask someone else.