Saying No

Welcome to another Flexible Success newsletter. Each edition includes a tip, a quote, a question and an interesting read - all related to flexible work. It's designed to be quick and easy to digest, and to provide you with some food for thought for the week ahead.

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Theme: Saying No

A TIP

The importance of setting boundaries is something that comes up a lot in flexible work conversations. But I don't think we talk enough about how to maintain the boundaries we have set, or the skills that are required to do this well.

A key skill you need to master is the art of saying no. And saying it gracefully - in a straightforward and courteous manner that helps strengthen relationships rather than strain them.

Most people I know (me included!) struggle with saying no. We just don't want to disappoint people, or come across as uncommitted. 

The good news is that saying no is a skill that can be learned. 

If this is something you're working on, here's a simple hack to ease you into saying no more often: 

  • First, try replacing your reflexive "yes" response with "let me think about it and get back to you".

  • Then, if it's not something you want to do, get back to them with an answer along the lines of: "I've checked my schedule and I can't fit this in. Thanks for thinking of me though."

A QUOTE

“Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.” - Josh Billings

A QUESTION

Do you have any non-essential requests you should be saying no to this week?

AN INTERESTING READ

This Forbes article is a super quick read containing six more excellent quotes on the subject of saying no.

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Belinda Morgan