20 Ways To Say No
By Ramona Creel
Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own "do-it-yourself" organizing projects.
I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF SEVERAL PROJECTS
- let people know when you have accepted other responsibilities
- no need to make excuses if you don't have any free time
- no one will fault you for having already filled your plate
I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THAT
- you might be uncomfortable with any of a number of issues
- the people involved, the type of work, the morale implications, etc.
- this is a very respectful way to avoid a sticky situation
I AM NOT TAKING ON ANY NEW RESPONSIBILITIES
- you aren't saying that you will never help out again
- just that you feel your schedule is as full as you would like now
- understanding your limits is a skill that is expected of you
I AM NOT THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON FOR THE JOB
- if you don't feel that you have adequate skills, that's okay
- it's better to admit your limitations up front
- the best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed down the road
I DO NOT ENJOY THAT KIND OF WORK
- life isn't about drudgery -- if you don't enjoy it, why do it?
- don't be afraid to let someone know you just don't want to
- someone else is bound to enjoy the work you don't
I DO NOT HAVE ANY MORE ROOM IN MY CALENDAR
- be honest if your schedule is filled
- "filled" doesn't have to mean really filled
- know when you are scheduled as much as you are willing and stop
I HATE TO SPLIT MY ATTENTION AMONG PROJECTS
- let people know that you want to do a good job for them
- but you can't when your focus is too divided or splintered
- you will be more effective if you focus on one project at a time
I HAVE ANOTHER COMMITMENT
- it doesn't matter what the commitment is
- it can even simply be time to yourself or with friends or family
- you don't have to justify -- you simply aren't available
I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH THAT
- volunteering shouldn't mean learning an entirely new set of skills
- suggest that they find someone who has experience in that area
- offer to help out with something that you already know how to do
I KNOW YOU WILL DO A WONDERFUL JOB YOURSELF
- people often ask for help because they doubt their own abilities
- let them know that you have confidence they will succeed
- you are actually doing them a favor in the long run
I NEED TO FOCUS MORE ON MY PERSONAL LIFE
- don't be ashamed of wanting to spend time with your family
- having a strong family is an important priority in and of itself
- be willing to put your personal needs first
I NEED TO FOCUS ON MY CAREER RIGHT NOW
- often, you have to focus your energies on a work-related task
- you may have to give up some civic or community duties
- if you don't do it, someone else will take on the task
I NEED TO LEAVE SOME FREE TIME FOR MYSELF
- it's okay to be selfish -- in a good way!
- treat your personal time like any other appointment
- block off time in your calendar and guard it with your life
I WOULD RATHER DECLINE THAN DO A MEDIOCRE JOB
- know when you aren't going to be able to deliver a quality product
- the reason doesn't matter -- not enough time, wrong skills, etc.
- whatever the reason is enough for turning a request down
I WOULD RATHER HELP OUT WITH ANOTHER TASK
- saying no doesn't mean that you can't help at all
- if someone asks you to do something you really despise, refuse
- then offer to help with something you find more enjoyable
LET ME HOOK YOU UP WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN DO IT
- if you aren't available to help out, offer another qualified resource
- helping to connect people is a valuable service to offer
- make sure the person you refer will represent you well
NO
- sometimes it's okay to just say no!
- just say it in a way that expresses respect and courtesy
- leave the door open for good relations
NOT RIGHT NOW, BUT I CAN DO IT LATER
- if you really want to help but don't have time, say so
- offer to help at a later time or date
- if they can't wait for you, they'll find someone else
SOME THINGS HAVE COME UP THAT NEED MY ATTENTION
- unexpected things happen that throw your schedule off
- accept that you may need to make a few adjustments
- it is temporary and you will have more time when life stabilizes
THIS REALLY IS NOT MY STRONG SUIT
- it's okay to admit your limitations
- knowing what you can handle and what you can't is a skill
- your time will be more efficiently spent on something you do well
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