Idea 37: Learning to say no
The real discipline comes in saying no to the wrong opportunities.
Peter Drucker
Effectiveness at work depends on knowing what not to do. Over-commitment is a sure road to failure.
You may find it hard to refuse someone's request for your time. Possibly you feel that the other person will think less of you for doing so. Learn to decline with tact and firmness.
When you say ‘no’, if possible say it promptly. Thus you will avoid raising false hopes only for them to be dashed later. Such vague phrases as ‘Let me think about it’ or ‘I don't know’ do breed expectancy. Of course, if you are in genuine doubt, by all means play for time. Ask for more information, perhaps in the form of a written request with background data. ...
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