Saying No to Work
How can you say no to more work if you are self-employed? More work equals more money. Saying no can also be difficult for those employed by a company. After all, you want to move up in the ranks. It's true that showing initiative and taking on more challenging projects will get you noticed by those who are in a position to boost your career. However, there are times when you have to say no, and you can do so without feeling guilty.
Is your plate piled too high with deadlines, meetings, and reports? Are you doing the job of two or maybe three people? Do you sometimes think you should bring a cot to the office, because you feel like you are there around the clock? Before it gets to that level, learn to say no both at work and at home.
This, once again, comes down to juggling and balance. First you have to prioritize. Start by making a list of what needs to get done. Yes, it is important to volunteer outside of work at your child's school. However, don't volunteer to create all of the costumes for the school play unless you actually have the time to do it. Instead, volunteer to do something that takes less time. Maybe you can offer to bake something for your child's class party.
On the job, do you have to attend each and every meeting when deadlines are looming? Talk to your supervisor to see if you can skip one or two of these meetings. Maybe he can fill you in with a summation at a later time.
The problem most people have with saying no is that they feel selfish and guilty. Saying no is not a selfish act. In fact, it's quite liberating when done correctly. You have to remember that saying no doesn't mean you are not helping out. In fact, saying no will guarantee that you will do a better job on the projects you have said yes to. By not taking on additional projects, you can focus all of your attention to what's on your plate — thereby doing a better job.
There will be times, of course, when you will feel that you should say yes to taking on a project. Just be sure to ask yourself if you can do the job quickly and without it taking too much time away from more important projects.
Managers and business owners must also learn to say no. If you are heading up a company or a department, you have people who are working for the team. That means you can delegate. It's true that not everyone will do the job in the exact fashion that you want. Everyone is unique. Your team, with your guidance, will be able to do the best job possible.
When saying no to a project, follow through by adding a solid reason why you can't take on additional work. Just tell the truth. If your current workload will suffer, be honest. Most employers are reasonable and will understand.
