Maybe you are thinking that saying ‘no’ is a learning thing? Yes! You have to learn to say ‘no’. Being able to say ‘no’ directly to a person’s eyes is an achievement. ‘No’ is just a simple word, but often it’s difficult to say.
Can you imagine how many times in your life, are suffering because you couldn’t say ‘no’ in the proper way? And you have done a lot of unreasonable work for this. You are not alone, most of us face that too. If you know the proper way to say ‘no’, it can be one of the most positive words in your dictionary. Whether you want more family time, more time for yourself, or more time to pursue a dream, saying no makes room for the “yeses” in your life.
When someone makes an unreasonable request in business, at a job, in life, in friendship and in love, you essentially have three options:
- Don’t even bother to respond. (Silence is the answer.)
- Respond with an irritated tone.
- Respond with a calm and polite tone.
How to Politely say ‘No’
Here are the 5 ways to politely say ‘no’:
- Be straightforward
Would you like to think twice before saying ‘no’ to someone? Are you sure that you don’t like any work? Then don’t think too much or say ‘no’ quickly without looking for a while. And tell him/her who needs to be told. Otherwise, this will get you into more trouble mentally.
- Considered the request
Before accepting someone’s invitation, think about whether the invitation is thrilling or whether you are waiting for such an invitation. If you feel positive, go to the invitation.
Ask open-ended questions or discussion can help you, what is really behind the request. For example, if you are requested to attend a meeting. It is not wrong to ask, “What is the importance of having me attend this meeting?” With this answer, you will get the proper reason to attend the meeting.
When a lot is happening together or you have to say ‘no’ a lot, close your eyes and take a deep breath. You want to know in your mind which one is more logical. Spend time doing yoga? Or hang out with friends for two hours? Or spend some time online? Use the correct method of correct distribution of 24 hours.
How to Politely say ‘No’
- Be clear on your boundaries
It happens often in our professional life. Even though we have to do a lot of work in our respective positions. Sometimes the boss will tell you to go out of work. After careful consideration, you realize that it would not be the best to take on a new assignment from your boss. There may be many reasons for reaching that conclusion. Maybe you have other work, or the new project requires skills you don’t have yet.
Your justification for saying ‘no’ to your boss may seem entirely legitimate to you, but will your boss think it is. In this situation, you can set your boundaries. You might politely refuse by saying, “Thank you for thinking of me for this interesting project, but unfortunately I’m at capacity right now.”
- Bring up alternative solutions
During the pandemic, one of my professors was requested to submit assignments only by hard copy which was not possible for most of us. So, the alternative, we sent our assignment to the classmates who were near the University area. Then they printed these assignments and submitted them which also saved our courier cost.
Even if a demand is truly unreasonable, it shows teamwork and problem-solving to help your manager find an alternative way to meet their needs. Brainstorming or proactively thinking can bring you other solutions. As a result, at the end of the day, the problem is ours. So, decide to put the relationship in the place of the relationship.
After you say “no,” keep it as your final answer. By changing your answer to “yes,” people may be able to get you to eventually agree to things you don’t want to do. Don’t get emotional about this. It’s okay to feel confident about your decision.
To read more of our blogs, click here.
Writer
Fatema Akter
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE
