Choose Your “No” Wisely!

By Dr. Pauline Rivers

December 22, 2021

I observed a team at work recently. I listened as team members offered suggestion after suggestion, each of which was met with some variation of “no” by the team leader.

And then, I watched as one team member literally seem to shrink back in her seat. Very quietly, calmly, and respectfully, she asked, “what do you think we should do?”.

Idea after idea turned down.

No upon no, without much of an explanation, until it seemed like the energy and enthusiasm and excitement had been sucked out of the room.

Saying “no” frequently to ideas and requests, especially without an explanation or discussion, can be demoralizing, discouraging, and trust diminishing.

So, choose your “no” wisely. Say “yes” as often as you can and let your “no” really matter.

Dr. Rivers

Pauline Rivers, PhD Consulting and Training, LLC

paulinerivers.com

…helping people be great at what they do…