20 Ways To Say "No"

20 Ways To Say No I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF SEVERAL PROJECTS • let people know when you have accepted other responsibilities • no need to make excuses if you don't have any free time • no one will fault you for having already filled your plate I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THAT • you might be uncomfortable with any of a number of issues • the people involved, the type of work, the morale implications, etc. • this is a very respectful way to avoid a sticky situation I AM NOT TAKING ON ANY NEW RESPONSIBILITIES • you aren't saying that you will never help out again • just that you feel your schedule is as full as you would like now • understanding your limits is a talent to be expected I AM NOT THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON FOR THE JOB • if you don't feel that you have adequate skills, that's okay • it's better to admit your limitations up front • the best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed down the road I DO NOT ENJOY THAT KIND OF WORK • life isn't about drudgery -- if you don't enjoy it, why do it? • don't be afraid to let someone know you just don't want to • someone else is bound to enjoy the work you don't I DO NOT HAVE ANY MORE ROOM IN MY CALENDAR • be honest if your schedule is filled • "filled" doesn't have to mean really filled • know when you are scheduled as much as you are willing and stop I HATE TO SPLIT MY ATTENTION AMONG PROJECTS • let people know that you want to do a good job for them • but you can't when your focus is too divided or splintered • you will be more effective if you focus on one project at a time I HAVE ANOTHER COMMITMENT • it doesn't matter what the commitment is • it can even simply be time to yourself or with friends or family • you don't have to justify -- you simply aren't available I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH THAT • volunteering shouldn't mean learning an entirely new set of skills • suggest that they find someone who has experience in that area • offer to help out with something that you already know how to do I KNOW YOU WILL DO A WONDERFUL JOB YOURSELF • people often ask for help because they doubt their own abilities • let them know that you have confidence they will succeed • you are actually doing them a favor in the long run I NEED TO FOCUS MORE ON MY PERSONAL LIFE • don't be ashamed of wanting to spend time with your family • having a strong family is an important priority in and of itself • be willing to put your personal needs first I NEED TO FOCUS ON MY CAREER RIGHT NOW • often, you have to focus your energies on a work-related task • you may have to give up some civic or community duties • if you don't do it, someone else will take on the task I NEED TO LEAVE SOME FREE TIME FOR MYSELF • it's okay to be selfish -- in a good way! • treat your personal time like any other appointment • block off time in your calendar and guard it with your life I WOULD RATHER DECLINE THAN DO A MEDIOCRE JOB • know when you aren't going to be able to deliver a quality product • the reason doesn't matter -- not enough time, wrong skills, etc. • whatever the reason is enough for turning a request down I WOULD RATHER HELP OUT WITH ANOTHER TASK • saying no doesn't mean that you can't help at all • if someone asks you to do something you really despise, refuse • then offer to help with something you find more enjoyable LET ME HOOK YOU UP WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN DO IT • if you aren't available to help out, offer another qualified resource • helping to connect people is a valuable service to offer • make sure the person you refer will represent you well NO • sometimes it's okay to just say no! • just say it in a way that expresses respect and courtesy • leave the door open for good relations NOT RIGHT NOW, BUT I CAN DO IT LATER • if you really want to help but don't have time, say so • offer to help at a later time or date • if they can't wait for you, they'll find someone else SOME THINGS HAVE COME UP THAT NEED MY ATTENTION • unexpected things happen that throw your schedule off • accept that you may need to make a few adjustments • it is temporary and you will have more time when life stabilizes THIS REALLY IS NOT MY STRONG SUIT • it's okay to admit your limitations • knowing what you can handle and what you can't is a skill • your time will be more efficiently spent on something you do well