5 Ways to Say NO without Feeling Bad

Do you often regret saying ‘yes’ when people come to you asking for a favor because you are too quick to say yes and too hesitant to say no? Well, it’s time to learn to say NO! Read on and master the art of refusing politely.

 

As someone who is leading a professional life with a hectic schedule, you may already have your plate quite full of chores and which is why you need to think before you agree to any point thrown at you. There is a fine line between helping others and being exploited by others and you need to recognize that line, for your own progress.

To be an efficient professional, you sometimes need to take a step back and say “no”, even if the demand comes from someone superior to you in the workplace. Saying “yes” to every single prospect can be disrupting and demanding, particularly when your own timetable is already over-flooded with responsibilities and appointments. Addition of more tasks merely to gratify others can make you overwhelmed which will eventually make it hard for you to satisfy these requests in the end.

How can you say NO in a polite and professional way? Here are a few ways to help you practice the art:

1. Ask Time for Considering the Offer

If you think there is a slight chance you might regret saying yes, ask for more time. Say something like “Let me think a little about it”. Doing so helps you gain some time to consider and think things through before making your final decision.

2. Appreciate the Gesture

If someone tries to involve you in a project or take your help in executing an idea, do not blurt out a yes or no instantly. Appreciate them by being positive or by complimenting them slightly. Enhance their confidence by giving positive remarks about the idea and then ask for exemption from the project.

3. Express that You Already Have Commitments

If you consider that the offer is something which may be useful for you in the future, you can keep your way open by saying something like “I would love to assist you in the task but I have a few plans for now”. This helps in getting the offer again in the future, in case you would like to do a similar project in coming days.

4. Show Willingness

To be polite, you need to show the willingness to accept the offer, particularly if the offer comes from a superior. Highlight the demands of your current, busy schedule in a way that it does not seem like you are complaining about the workload and then say no.

5. Be Straightforward

If nothing works, just take a deep breath and deny in a straightforward manner. Start your sentence by saying “Sorry, but I can’t be of assistance”.

Got any more ideas to say NO without sounding like a snob? Please share with me!