How to Say No at Work

by Amy Gallo for Harvard Business Review

Most people have way more to do than they can possibly fit into their workweek. The smartest ones are constantly reprioritizing their to-do lists. (This article has a very useful 2×2 matrix on deciding which goals and tasks to prioritize, elevate, delegate, or tolerate.) To stop more things, or the wrong things, from creeping onto your list, you have to start saying no.

First, avoid a knee-jerk reaction to being asked to do something. If you’re already working at maximum capacity, you might be tempted to flat-out reject any requests that come in. But for your own sake, it’s helpful if you think through each request. Carefully weigh the costs — not just your time and effort, but the opportunity cost as well. Compare the request with your priorities for the year to help you make a sound decision and to develop a rationale for why you’re saying no.

Keep in mind that you’re saying no to the request, not the person. "No" will be much easier to swallow if you provide a clear but short explanation for why you can’t do what you’ve been asked to.

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