There Must 20 Ways...To Say No (update)
If you are like me and many others, you sometimes have difficulty saying no to new projects even when you are very busy. This list from Ramona Creel offers 20 statements you can make in appropriate circumstances. A couple of examples:
I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF SEVERAL PROJECTS
-let people know when you have accepted other responsibilities
-no need to make excuses if you don't have any free time
-no one will fault you for having already filled your plate
I HAVE ANOTHER COMMITMENT
-it doesn't matter what the commitment is
-it can even simply be time to yourself or with friends or family
-you don't have to justify -- you simply aren't available
I KNOW YOU WILL DO A WONDERFUL JOB YOURSELF
-people often ask for help because they doubt their own abilities
-let them know that you have confidence they will succeed
-you are actually doing them a favor in the long run
I WOULD RATHER HELP OUT WITH ANOTHER TASK
-saying no doesn't mean that you can't help at all
-if someone asks you to do something you really despise, refuse
-then offer to help with something you find more enjoyable
UPDATE:
For a hilarious take on the foregoing, check out OPTIMUSCRIME.COM: Getting To No.
