On Saying No to Your Own Ambitions

The national conference is in less than a week. There is no way you can get the booth built, write the sales scripts, and prepare the session you’ve agreed to give. You have three customer call backs to do today and a demo that will take up most of tomorrow. Why did you ever agree to do the conference? Now you see nothing but stressful, sleepless nights ahead of you. Just say, “No.” There is a difference between setting stretch goals for yourself and being unrealistic. The former is a challenge. The latter is a lie. Not only does it set you up for failure but it misleads and disappoints the people who depend on you. Repeat this: Starting with me, honest and realistic self-assessment will determine schedules and obligations. For more tips and information, visit http://www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Saying No to Coworkers

“You wouldn’t mind covering for me on Tuesday, would you, buddy? I’ve got tickets to the big game and I’m due some sick time, anyway.” What do you do when faced with this dilemma? Assuming you would mind or that you’ve got too much of your own work to do to cover for your “buddy,” what do you do? Just say, “No.” Here’s how. “You know, I have just got too much scheduled for me to consider covering for you. I’m sorry I can’t help you out and I have to say, ‘No.’” Worried that you might ruin a friendship? Don’t be. A true friend doesn’t put you in the position of jeopardizing your own job for him. Repeat this: Starting with me, our work place will be one of integrity and personal responsibility. For more tips and information, visit http://www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Saying No to The Boss

The secretary couldn’t take on even one more project. And his immediate supervisor still hasn’t dropped off the month-end correspondence. And yet he knows that two other department heads need some typing done before Monday, too. How is he going to get it all done? You know the end of this story. The secretary will cut corners, work all weekend, grow resentful, and eventually leave the job. Learn to Just say, “No” to the boss. Make a realistic assessment of what you can handle, and then respectfully ask which of the excess projects would the boss like you to push off to next week. The boss will appreciate your professionalism and you’ll save your job. Repeat this: Starting with me, work estimates will be handled with integrity and honesty. For more tips and information, visit http://www.swimstartingwithme.com/.