`No' problem!
YOUR `can-do' attitude has gotten you where you are today— professionally secure and content. But then, suddenly you find yourself in a spot. You know that saying `yes' can be disastrous, while saying `no' is unimaginable! Why is it that you have such a hard time saying no? Believe it or not saying `no' is an effective management tool. For whatever reason -- moral, financial, and political or for the sake of your own career advancement -- you must be able to say `no' somewhere to someone. The earlier you learn it, the better it is for your career and your company. Saying `No' ain't so bad and doing it right will keep you on a roll!
Employees
A star employee comes up to you with a proposal. While it could be a great one, it might not be the best option in the prevailing circumstances. So this calls for you to say the dreaded `no'.. .
Tread gently, but don't back out or buckle under the strain. While turning down his proposal, make a commitment to him that you will get back to him when the right time comes. Also make sure that he understands why you couldn't action his proposal. Leave no room for misgivings to mar the relationship.
Superiors
As a manager you don't have to always say `yes' to your superiors. Your superior may appreciate it when you recommend a strategic decision. But you're likely to get his undivided attention if you don't endorse a decision taken by him. Especially, if it's backed by relevant facts as to why the decision could backfire. Even the best boss can make a mistake. So if by saying `no' you bail him out of a sticky situation, you would have earned your raise.
When things don't work out your gumption in saying `no' will vindicate your stand.
Clients
When you're in business you have to do everything you can to get and keep your clients. Customers may sometimes put undue pressure on you. Set the ground rules at the outset and value yourself by placing a premium on your skills. Unless a client is willing to pay for the extra work or for a project that you're not interested in, you've got to say `no'. Otherwise, by the time you finish the project, you may end up resenting your client and your work.
If your decision goes against the collective opinion then call for a meeting of all the concerned people and explain why, what you are doing is in the best interests of the company terms of money and resources.
Little to lose, much to gain
Say `no' if it goes against your work ethic and job responsibilities. While this may not be a pleasant task, it will certainly pay in the long run.
MARIA JAMES
faqs@cnkonline.com
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