Shanu Singh Guliani

When to Say NO!
October 31, 2007

My husband, who is in a supervisor position, just came back from a motivational conference. The speaker constantly spoke about how important it is for leaders to say “Yes.” Yes to taking risks. Yes to new ideas. Yes to new opportunities. What these types of speakers fail to acknowledge is knowing when and how to say “No.” Good leaders are positive, open to ideas, and receptive to new challenges; but they also respect the power and importance of “No.”

If you can’t say “No,” you may not be decisive enough to make tough leadership choices or to be a major decision maker in your department, store, or office. No supervisor wants to be perceived as a naysayer; but there are times when “No” is the only right answer.

The art of saying no like you mean it is more than simply making a statement. You need to master the ability with a nonverbal assertiveness—a firm voice and direct eye contact. Here are a few situations in which you can exercise your “no abilities” with little guilt:

1.      To the clerk who wants you to sign up for a credit card.

2.      To the co-worker who asks you to finish up their work.

3.      To vendors offering unlimited amount of product for the holidays but higher costs because of longer terms.

Saying “No” isn’t always negative. It’s just another way to set priorities.

Posted by Shanu Singh Guliani on October 31, 2007 | Comments (0)