How to Say “No” Gracefully: Part 2

If you have difficulty saying no, you are not alone!

But being able to say “no” gracefully is crucial if you are to realise your potential as a leader and it helps in having an easier home life too.

In Part 1 ” Do You Struggle to Say “No”?   I shared some of the reasons why saying “no” gracefully is important for your well being.

But how do you actually do it?

How do you say “no” with ease and grace?

Here are 4 easy action steps to get you started ….

1. Practise saying “no” gracefully

Saying no gracefully involves being honest and direct.

Step 1: Make it clear that you genuinely appreciate being asked. Express your thanks that they thought of you in the first place. e.g. “thank you for asking me”.

Step 2: Say your “no”- e.g. “No, that doesn’t work for me right now”. You don’t have to give reasons or excuses.

Step 3: Collaborate with the person on a way forward- e.g. “have you thought of asking X to help out?”

2. Give yourself rules about how much you can do.

Your impulse might be to say “yes” to everything.

This can result in you becoming exhausted, overloaded and stressed out.

Instead of your default being “yes,” be prepared to say “no.”

Creating a structure for how you spend your time will help you to do this.

3. Decide on your priorities and stick to them.

You can’t do everything, so it is important to be able to give a respectful “no.” Write down your priorities each day and commit to getting them done.

If someone asks you to do something not in line with those goals, you can say “no” gracefully. (see point 1.)

4. Ask for more time

Often the pressure is to give a “yes” or “no” immediately.

Instead give yourself time.

Say something like “I need to think about that and have a look at what else I’ve got on right now. Can I get back to you?” and let them know when.

Learning how to say “no” gracefully and feeling good about it can be a game changer.

If you sometimes struggle with it then give it a try.

You might just be surprised by the results!

I offer a number of free Transformational Coaching Conversations every month because the best way to learn about being coached by me is to be coached by me!

If you would like some coaching around a challenge you are facing right now then click on the link above to reserve one of the sessions.

Until next time.

Cath