(NB: except for the first one - the "Family No" (for which you will usually have
pre-booked one of your holiday entitlements) - none of these are suitable for
work.)
The "My Family is the Reason" No: Thank you very much for the invitation. That’s
the day of my son’s soccer game and I never miss those. Great reasons also
include birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, christenings….. Just be sure
you’re not making it up. Tell the truth. You may think this is the easiest no to
say, but it’s not. How often have you said no to your family in order to work?
My point exactly.
Just No: thanks but I’ll have to pass on that. Say it, then shut up. You don’t
want to ruin the effect.
The Gracious No: I really appreciate your asking me but my time is already
committed. This is a gentle way to say no.
The "I’m Sorry" No: I wish I could, but it’s just not convenient. The real
masters of the "I’m Sorry" No somehow get the other people to apologize over and
over for even asking. I’m always amazed when I see this happen.
The "It’s Someone Else’s Decision" No: I promised my coach I wouldn’t take on
any more projects without discussing them with her first. This postpones the
decision and allows you to decide if you really want to say no. Only use when
you’re not sure which one you actually want to say - the yes or the no.
The "I Know Someone Else" No: I just don’t have the time to help you but let me
recommend someone else I know. A great way to say no while still helping the
person by giving another option. It’s often easiest to say no when you can offer
another solution.
The "I’m Already Booked" No: I appreciate your thinking of me but I’m already
booked that day. Use this one especially if it’s a "break" day for you. It’s not
helpful to break a commitment to someone else – even worse to break a commitment
to yourself to have a day away from commitments.
__________________________________________________________________________
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