Saying “No” - How to Set Limits
It will soon be that time again: The end of the year is approaching and there are a lot of agendas on the to-do list. And as if you weren't already too busy, your colleague asks you to take a quick look at the presentation. Actually, one would like to say “No” at this point, because one has one's hands full. But why not just do it? Is it that hard to pronounce a word with just four letters?
Fact is: A "no" is usually much harder than a "yes". After all, it is well known that colleagues who always agree are liked by everyone and are popular. Also you do not want to offend others or even hurt others. In general, one often fears the consequences and wants to make it all right for this reason.
But what is the price for it?
It usually starts small and then becomes an ever-increasing problem. First comes a work colleague with a small request. But on the small request follows the next, then another. And this usually happens not only in the working environment, but also continues in the private sphere, in the family. You get confused and in the end you are just overwhelmed.
If you are constantly doing work and tasks for which you are actually not responsible, then you have less time for your agendas or less time for your free time. A vicious circle.
Therefore: learn to say “no”. And if you don't want to use the word no, you can find other ways of avoiding a "yes".
Here are our tips on how to best say "no" without saying "no":
1. Offer alternatives
"While I can not layout the entire presentation, I can skim the final result"
"This week does not fit in time, but how about the next week?"
2. Clarify the consequences
"Thank you for your trust, but I am currently covered with other projects"
"I think XY would be more qualified for that. After all, he / she has worked with this client before. "
3. Dramatize
"I'm really busy at the moment so I could not take care of the agenda"
4. Reflect
"I can understand that you need help, but the boss has given you the project and maybe you should try it yourself first. After that I can still help you "
5. Stay consistent
"I'm really flattered that you chose me for this job, but this date has been set for months and I really can not work overtime that day."
Of course, there are many more phrases you can use. Sometimes, however, it can be better if you don't just talk “the bushes” but just say what's going on. Above all, it is important: Always think about your well-being and your gut feeling. Can I manage the additional tasks or will it end up being too much for me? A “no” is definitely worth a try. And maybe the colleague has no problem getting involved in the project himself, or you even helped him to become more independent in the end.
