Toolkit - Say No

Posted by Jerry Lopper Sep 25, 2006

Welcome to Personal Development Toolkit. Each week, Personal Development Toolkit will feature a tool you can use to construct additions to your personal growth and development. Each week's toolkit will include a brief description of the tool and a suggestion for using it.

SAY NO : This week's toolkit is about saying no to requests for your time and energy that are not consistent with your values, aligned with your passions, and don't utilize your strengths. There are many ways to say no. There is simply no, no thank you, thanks for asking, but no I can't do that now, I'm pleased that you asked, but no, I can't take that on just now, and ... you know many ways to say no politely, firmly, and with appreciation for being asked.

Example: Mary: "I'm flattered that you asked me to chair the committee next year, but I've decided not to take on that responsibility. I already have two evening commitments each week and I just don't want to take more time away from my family."

This Week: Before taking on any task or responsibility of an ongoing or lengthy duration, ask yourself these questions:

1. Will this responsibility be in conflict with my values?
2. Am I passionate about this responsibility?
3. Which of my core strengths will I be using in this responsibility?

If the answers to 1. and 2. are yes, and if you can readily identify one or more of your core strengths utilized by this responsibility, accept it eagerly. Otherwise, say no graciously.