How to say "No"

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• Do you ever find yourself saying "Yes" to things that you really don't want to do?
• Do you feel that others sometimes take advantage of your goodwill and helpfulness?
• What if you could unlock the secret to protecting your time and energy by simply saying no? 

This week on Leading People it's another One Simple Thing - easy tips and insights that you can implement immediately. 

Today, you'll learn the essential art of saying "No" by prioritizing yourself first. By embracing this transformative mindset, young leaders - and seasoned veterans alike - can revolutionize their approach to managing tasks and relationships.

Discover how to assertively decline requests that don't align with your true priorities. 

In this episode I share practical techniques to frame your responses confidently, preserving relationships while safeguarding your most important commitments. 

Plus, how to say "No" to your boss!  

Tune in to each episode of One Simple Thing to learn how small steps can lead to remarkable transformations. 

Connect with me on LinkedIn and follow this podcast so you're sure to get our next episode, where we'll continue to uncover simple yet powerful methods to enhance your leadership journey.

Curious?

Listen now to learn this important skill. 

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome to Leading People with me, gerry Marais,
this week.
It's One Simple Thing, where ineach episode, I share a quick,
actionable tip to help you bringout the best in yourself and
others.
One Simple Thing is created foryoung leaders, but hey, us

(00:28):
older folks can still learn athing or two.
Ask my dog.
He's learned a few new tricksrecently.
Here's a question for you howoften do you say yes to
something you really want to say, no to something you really
want to say no to?
Oh, yes, huh, oh no.

(00:48):
I've worked with countlessprofessionals who struggle with
this, whether it's taking onextra work, agreeing to meetings
they don't need to be in, orsaying yes to social events out
of guilt.
And here's what I've learned Tobe able to say no to someone
else, you've got to first sayyes to yourself.

(01:12):
Aha, I knew it.
The reason so many peoplestruggle with saying no isn't
just about time.
It's about not being clear onwhat's truly important to them.
Think about it.
If you know your core values,it's easier to protect your time

(01:35):
.
Your values become yourinternal compass, not just
shifting priorities that someoneelse can change, not just
shifting priorities that someoneelse can change.
So here's one simple thing totry.
Before you say yes to a newrequest, pause and ask yourself

(02:04):
does this align with what trulymatters to me?
If you've already committed tofamily time, a personal goal or
an important project, thenthat's your priority and,
instead of just saying no, frameit in a way that reflects your
values.

(02:27):
Here are some examples of sayingno in a confident and assertive
way Sorry, that's not going towork for me today.
Sorry, I've already committedto something important.
Sorry, I can't take this onright now, but I can suggest an
alternative.
Sorry, I can't take this onright now, but I can suggest an
alternative.
Now I know what you're thinkingyou do.

(02:49):
What if the request comes frommy boss?
You can't just flat out say no,right, but you can get clarity.
You could say something likeI'd be happy to help.
However, first, could you letme know which of my current

(03:11):
priorities should I deprioritizeto make space for this new
request?
This shifts the conversation,preserves the relationship with
your boss and prevents you fromautomatically taking on extra
work that derails what's mostimportant to you.

(03:33):
And when you practice this,you'll start feeling more in
control of your time, lessresentful and more focused on
what truly matters to you.
I know this works because I'veseen my clients literally
transform their lives afterlearning how to elegantly say no

(03:56):
.
Oh yes, try it this week.
Start saying yes to yourselfand notice what happens.
And that's another One SimpleThing.
Thanks for tuning in.

(04:18):
Remember small steps can leadto big changes.
Test out this One Simple Thingand notice how it transforms
your day.
Let me know how you get on.
Reach out on LinkedIn andconnect with me.
Mention the podcast and ifyou'd like to learn more one

(04:43):
simple things, then subscribe tothis podcast on your favorite
podcast channel and follow ourLinkedIn Leading People page.
In our next episode of OneSimple Thing, we'll explore
another easy way to be a greatleader by bringing out the best

(05:04):
in yourself and those around youand in between.
You can check out one of mylonger conversations with
leading people about yes, you'veguessed it leading people.
So until then, keep exploringand stay curious.