Eight Ways to Say No With Grace and Style - Deepstash
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Josh Billings

“Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.”

JOSH BILLINGS

1.69K

13.2K reads

The Awkward Pause

The Awkward Pause

Use awkward pauses as a tool to say no. When a request comes to you (this works only in person), just pause for a moment. Count to three before delivering your verdict.

1.41K

7.53K reads

The Soft "No" ("No, But")

E-mail is also a good way to start practicing saying "no but" because it gives you the chance to draft and redraft your "no" to make it as graceful as possible. Plus, many people find that the distance of e-mail reduces the fear of awkwardness.

1.14K

6.21K reads

“Let me check my calendar and get back to you”

“Let me check my calendar and get back to you”

It gives you the time to pause and reflect and ultimately reply that if you are or are not available. It enables you to take back control of your own decisions rather than be rushed into a “yes” when you are asked.

1.26K

5.1K reads

Using E-mail Bouncebacks

Using E-mail Bouncebacks

Using email bouncebacks is the most socially acceptable “no” there is. It doesn't mean you're telling them that you don't want to respond to them. It only states that you can't reply for a certain period of time. 

1.03K

5.2K reads

“Yes. What should I deprioritize?”

“Yes. What should I deprioritize?”

Saying no to a senior leader at work is almost unthinkable, even laughable, for many people. However, when saying yes is going to compromise your ability to make the highest level of contribution to your work, it is also your obligation. In this case it is not only reasonable to say no, it is essential. One effective way to do that is to remind your superiors what you would be neglecting if you said yes and force them to grapple with the trade-off.

1.3K

4.88K reads

Saying "No" With Humor

Saying "No" With Humor

Saying "no" with humor will lessen the awkwardness and will lighten up the atmosphere.

1.11K

5.77K reads

“You are welcome to X. I am willing to Y”

This is a particularly good way to navigate a request you would like to support somewhat but cannot throw your full weight behind. I particularly like this construct because it also expresses a respect for the other person's ability to choose, as well as your own. It reminds both parties of the choices they have.

1.14K

4.18K reads

“I can’t do it, but X might be interested”

It is tempting to think that our help is uniquely invaluable, but often people requesting something don't really care if we're the ones who help them- as long as they get the help.

1.13K

4.32K reads

Warren Buffett

"The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything."

WARREN BUFFETT

1.6K

6.79K reads

<p>"<i>Saying no is its own le...

"Saying no is its own leadership capability. It is not just a peripheral skill. As with any ability, we start with limited experience."

1.2K

6.72K reads

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