It’s hard to say no to things … Invitations. Opportunities. Cake.
Most of us know we should decline more often than we do, so why do we keep saying Yes?
Leaving the cake to one side, we say Yes in business for a variety of reasons – we don’t want to let people down, we’re worried about losing a potential customer, or perhaps we could simply do with the income this month.
Our intentions are good – we convince ourselves we can deliver what is needed, but when we say Yes to something that doesn’t align with our experience and expertise, we end up having the opposite effect. We don’t meet expectations. The other person ends up frustrated and disappointed. Our reputation suffers.
But if we say No, it allows them (and us) to focus resources – time, attention, money – in a more effective way. On something that brings value and has impact.
Where can you be generous, and say no?
PS This may be one of those lessons we can only learn the hard way!
