Diplomatic Strategies for Saying “No”
- Posted by Colleen Clarke
- on Jul, 17, 2012
- in In the Media
- Blog No Comments.
- “I would if I could, however…” Don’t use “but”; use “and” or “however.”
- “Which of these other tasks should I put aside?” Give the responsibility of all that has been assigned you to the assignee. If the new request comes from someone other than the person to whom you are working with at the moment, ask the new requester to ask the other task master to give you permission to switch tasks.
- “After looking at my calendar, I can’t get to it till next week. Would that be ok?” This is a great stalling technique.
- “Can I get back to you on that?” It shows you are thinking about it.
- “I’d be glad to, however, there are others who know ——— better than me.” Be careful not to suggest any one person in particular.
- “After realizing the scope of the project, I’m going to have to say no.”
- “I would feel awkward doing this for you.” This is a common response to personal requests made by bosses of employees, like buying presents or clothing for them.
- “I’m sorry, I just can’t do it.” Be apologetic.
- “I’ll do it, if you’ll do…for me.” Tit for tat, trade political chips.
Career/Workplace Article Sign-up
Receive career and workplace articles by Colleen ClarkeCategories
Recent Posts
- Thinking about a job change?: Confront ageism, turn experience to your advantage
- As a female professional, I am earning more than a female peer for the same work. What should I do?
- The company is increasing my hours while offering no further pay. What are my options?
- A more junior co-worker in the same role is earning more than me. What can I do?
- I want to compete with my boss for a promotion. How should I handle it?
Recent Comments
- Shirley Doucette on Sitemap
Archives
- September 2018
- July 2018
- May 2018
- March 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- March 2017
- January 2017
- September 2016
- July 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- January 2015
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- December 2011
- August 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- September 2009
- January 2009
- November 2008
- September 2008
- July 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- January 2008
- May 2007
- January 2007
- November 2006
- September 2006
- July 2006
- January 2006
- November 2005
- October 2005
- August 2005
- July 2005
- May 2005
- January 2005
- December 2003
- January 2003
- November 2001
- September 2001
- June 2000
- May 2000
- April 1999