How to Say No at Work
Most Americans feel overworked in some capacity. When it comes to lightening the load, how do you turn down a workplace request gracefully?
A survey of 2,000 workers found last year that the majority, 87%, feel as though they’re overworked. More than half of the respondents also said they were unhappy with their work-life balance. Overall, research is consistent in showing that Americans are working harder than ever, taking on longer hours, more responsibility and – thanks to modern technology – we’re instantly accessible. In all of that, there’s a risk in taking on too much and becoming burned out. Every now and then, it makes sense to say no to an assignment.
I spoke recently with Linda Galindo, accountability expert and author of “Where Winners Live.” Here are her tips to saying no at work (and keeping your job).
Get Over the Fear
Let’s be honest, in this economy, most are just happy to have a job. “People fear the perception of not being a team player,” says Galindo. “They’re afraid they won’t be asked again or that person asking them will make a note of it in an employee evaluation.” While the last thing anyone wants to do is rock the boat at work, the consequences of taking on too much can sometimes be worse than turning down an assignment. “Overcommitting is one of the most irresponsible behaviors in the workplace right now,” says Galindo and there are perfectly legitimate reasons to say no.
Discuss the Request
Before just blurting out “no,” make an effort to discuss the request with the person asking. “You need to fully understand what you’re saying no to,” says Galindo. “Ask plenty of questions to clarify the scope of the request and be sure that there’s no way you can help.” Galindo acknowledges that it can be hard to get the full details of a request if you’re cornered in a hallway or put on the spot in a meeting but discussing it first will make “no” easier for the other person to hear once they know you’ve considered it.
Find an Alternative
Often, after discussing the scope of a request, you and the person asking can come up with alternatives that make it doable. “Ask for input, especially with re-prioritizing your workload,” suggests Galindo. “Focus on what you can do in all of what they told you and sometimes by changing just one thing the request becomes possible.” She also suggests exploring alternative deadlines where possible. Whatever you do, don’t commit a coworker – even if you think they’re not busy .
Just Say “No”
When it comes to things on which you’re not willing to budge, say a relocation for example, it’s important to speak in direct, unequivocal terms. In other words, just say no! Hemming and hawing will only complicate the matter and saying yes or maybe then eventually saying no could delay a deadline. Instead, it’s important to explain why you can’t help with a task and be firm if you know for sure it’s something you can’t do. “Sorry, but I can’t because…” Is a perfectly polite way to turn down a request, Galindo says.
Don’t Be a “Yes”-Person
As a final tip, Galindo suggests changing your habits. Many of us, particularly when it comes to work, want to please and make “yes” our first response. “There are alternatives to saying yes without saying no,” she says. “Make it a practice to say ‘Can I check my schedule and to-do lists?’ before committing.”
Photo Courtesy, Victor1558.
