saying 'no'
It's normal in the workplace to have to 'no' sometimes to requests for help, to participation in projects, to somebody's new idea etc etc.
Recently I had a client who asked their affiliate in the UK if the UK could start to use the same system as the affiliates in mainland Europe. The British lady said 'no' but it was more than the standard "No, that won't be possible this year because we are too busy". Instead, she said something similar to "I can see why you are asking and it makes total sense. However, because of X,Y,Z we have no capacity at the moment to take on extra big projects."
My client was so impressed by this answer, she asked me for other suggestions. This is the list I made for her:
Recently I had a client who asked their affiliate in the UK if the UK could start to use the same system as the affiliates in mainland Europe. The British lady said 'no' but it was more than the standard "No, that won't be possible this year because we are too busy". Instead, she said something similar to "I can see why you are asking and it makes total sense. However, because of X,Y,Z we have no capacity at the moment to take on extra big projects."
My client was so impressed by this answer, she asked me for other suggestions. This is the list I made for her:
:An outright ‘no’:
You can’t do it now but maybe in the future:
If you want to, you can download these phrases in PDF form here.
- I think it is a great idea and I can really see the benefits. However, I/we have limited time/resources/capacity/budget so it isn’t possible at the moment.
- No, but I know someone who might be able to take that on/ a good fit. Let me check with them.
- Right now and into the foreseeable future, my/our focus is ……..… Therefore, I can’t move forward with/help with …
- I need to create more space on my calendar, which means I’m turning down some things I would have said ‘yes‘ to in the past. So, unfortunately, the answer is ‘no’.
- I am already at capacity/over-committed, and I would not be able to give this the attention it needs/deserves. Therefore, unfortunately I have to say ‘no’.
- I recognize what you are doing is important/has value, but at this time I can’t participate/listen/attend.
You can’t do it now but maybe in the future:
- Not at this time, but please follow up with me in (weeks/months) when I may have more capacity to review/participate/advise/etc.
- Unfortunately, I can’t take on this project/request/etc. However, thank you for thinking of me and please keep me in mind for future opportunities.
- The answer is ‘no’ for now, but the door is open for a later conversation if anything changes.
- I have other priorities at this time, so I can’t pursue this right now. If things change, I’ll let you know.
If you want to, you can download these phrases in PDF form here.