As a young professional, student, and even senior executive, one of the most powerful professional tactics you can acquaint yourself with is the use of the word "NO." In our multitasking culture, many of us have unfortunately slipped into the bad habit of trying to please everyone and engage in everything. The fact of the matter is that all of your "technical toys" and your ability to multitask could lore you into a false sense of performance capability, or drain you of critical time, energy, and resources that should be applied to more important priorities or plans. If you are not careful you could quickly hit a critical mass of engagement with mismanaged initiatives or people, that could totally derail your goals, hurt your reputation as a high performer, eventually bring your high flying career to a screeching halt! Don't get me wrong it is great to assist others and be a team player, but be wise about it, be strategic, and do it under conditions and circumstances that are acceptable and reasonable for you.
The fact of the matter is that a strategically placed "no" will firmly empower you to focus on and engage in goals, priorities, and people that are valuable to you. When you can't say "no" by default you become part of the problem, by empowering "sloppy" and draining professionals, enabling dysfunctional administrative practices and cultures. You may want to also seriously consider "escaping" a culture were you can not say "no" to unproductive or poorly performing people or initiatives, this sounds more like a prison not a healthy and empowering environment!
Can you remember a "yes" that should have been a "no"? A "nonstrategic" or mindless "yes" can cost you hours, days, and even years of regret and aggravation- so don't get caught in the moment, find the courage to say "no," don't be every one's "guardian angel" or "cape crusader," you have a career and life of your own that you have worked hard for, and planned for, don't let mediocrity creep into your world by others that don't value your time and talents, and in many cases are not doing the right thing to begin with.
Samples of Tactical "Nos"
What do you think?
Kim R. Wells
kwells@howard.edu
The fact of the matter is that a strategically placed "no" will firmly empower you to focus on and engage in goals, priorities, and people that are valuable to you. When you can't say "no" by default you become part of the problem, by empowering "sloppy" and draining professionals, enabling dysfunctional administrative practices and cultures. You may want to also seriously consider "escaping" a culture were you can not say "no" to unproductive or poorly performing people or initiatives, this sounds more like a prison not a healthy and empowering environment!
Can you remember a "yes" that should have been a "no"? A "nonstrategic" or mindless "yes" can cost you hours, days, and even years of regret and aggravation- so don't get caught in the moment, find the courage to say "no," don't be every one's "guardian angel" or "cape crusader," you have a career and life of your own that you have worked hard for, and planned for, don't let mediocrity creep into your world by others that don't value your time and talents, and in many cases are not doing the right thing to begin with.
Samples of Tactical "Nos"
- Hard "No" - To the point, no hesitation, I simply don't have time, resources, or that is not my area of expertise.
- Soft "No" - I would love to assist, give your personal support of the effort, but recommend they ask someone with more time, or who's expertise, department, or commitments, are in better alignment with their request.
- Diplomatic "No"- Do not accept immediately, ask to get back to them. When you do have very specific examples of why their original request does not work for you-however, if under very limited and clearly stated conditions, including a precise and acceptable timetable, you may be able to provide limited assistance. Usually last minute and mismanaged people can not or will not be interested in working through rigid guidelines.
What do you think?
Kim R. Wells
kwells@howard.edu
1 comment:
This is something that we all deal with. I was in a conference recently and the speaker put it like this: Before you say "yes" to something, ask yourself, "What's in this for me?" OR "How will this move me forward?"
If you are always saying yes to small requests from coworkers looking to shoulder their work on you, you won't go very far. You have to say no to things that won't bring you high visability. It may sound selfish, but it's a fact.
Post a Comment