Last week our Group Therapy question ultimately boiled down to saying,” No,” when the boss asked our writer to take her laptop with her on vacation.
We all know that there are situations where saying no isn’t the right thing to do, and there are other ways to say no from time to time which involves compromise or negotiation.
However, sometimes, “No” is precisely the right thing to say, and our situation where the boss asks you to take your laptop is one of them. Check here for the full story and solutions: Click on Link
[ctt template=”3″ link=”pz0RB” via=”yes” ]Sometimes, “No” is precisely the right thing to say. Here’s how.[/ctt]
We all know that “No” is a complete sentence, and you often don’t need more than that. However, professionally, let’s be honest; just saying, “No,” without anything else isn’t recommended.
To make the refusal of the request a little more palatable and professional, here are some things you should ensure you do:
- Say, “Thank you.” Being polite is always appropriate, and for whatever reason, the person asking you to do something feels that you were the appropriate person. Let’s assume they think that is because you are capable (I’d rather be naïve than cynical, personally). Thank them for thinking of you, thank them for asking instead of telling you to do something, or thank them just to be polite.
- Use the word “No” in your sentence. Clarity is essential. If you don’t say the word no, you haven’t said no, and without clarity, some people will not hear your denial. I know that sounds wrong, but let’s look at this:
Manager: Rhonda, I’d like you to take your laptop with you on vacation. I’ll be traveling, and I need to know you’ve got my back if something goes wrong with my travel. I’m sure it will all be fine, but it makes the most sense for you to have it and check in while I’m on the road.
Rhonda: Oh, I don’t think that is a good idea. Vacation is about disconnecting from the office. I’m glad that you know I’ve got your back when you travel, but vacation means disconnecting to me.
Have you said “no”? Did they hear you say “no”?
Manager: Not to worry, just check the days I’m traveling, and it won’t take much time. You’ll be disconnected; I won’t bother you much at all, I’m sure.
Oh, oh. It looks like you weren’t clear, and the simple word no makes your refusal clear to your manager.
Ensure the word “No” is in your sentence.
[ctt template=”3″ link=”udbmf” via=”yes” ]If you don’t say the word no, you haven’t said no, and without clarity, some people will not hear your denial.[/ctt]
- Dial back on the justification or excuses. While you don’t need any excuses or justification in theory, professionally, you likely do. As we said above, “No” is a complete sentence, but we should have more to the refusal while at work.
It is okay to give a reason. Potentially you can add two reasons but stop it at that point. You may have many reasons why you are denying the request, but the more justification you use, the weaker your “No” will be.
- If appropriate, give alternate solutions. This is not a mandatory step, but professionally you will be seen as a team player if you can come up with a solution for the situation that works for you both.
- Stop talking. Don’t be wordy or passive. The longer your refusal is, the weaker it will sound.
Manager: Rhonda, I’d like you to take your laptop with you on vacation. I’ll be traveling, and I need to know you’ve got my back if something goes wrong with my travel. I’m sure it will all be fine, but it makes the most sense for you to have it and check in while I’m on the road.
Rhonda: Thank you for knowing I’ve got your back, and I do. When I’m on vacation, I need to disconnect completely, or it isn’t a vacation for my family or me. No, I won’t be taking my laptop on my vacation. If you have any problems while traveling, you can reach out to Pooja. She will be covering for me.
It’s clear, it is professional, and it is effective.
But let’s be honest, sometimes people phrase their statement as a yes or no question when it isn’t. If your manager politely asks you to take your laptop on vacation and you have no option to say “No,” you need an entirely different conversation; (which is the subject of a separate blog post).
Good luck structuring your “No” statement, and enjoy your vacation laptop free.
