Navigating the ‘yes man’ role in an ever-demanding industry

In an industry that is often relentless, constantly changing and rarely allows for error, hear from Creative Project Manager, Luke Zietsman, as he discusses the importance of being able to say no.

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I’m a people pleaser. A ‘Yes man’ so to speak. Something that’s taken me years to realise and even more years to try and snuff out. Here’s the reason why:

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In the ‘wear many hats’ realm of project management, there's an unspoken pressure to always say ‘yes’. Yes to deadlines, yes to additional tasks, yes to doing it all below budget and yes to completing it yesterday. Yet, amidst this eagerness to please, the power of a respectful ‘no’ often gets overlooked. Contrary to popular belief, saying ‘no’ can be just as necessary as saying ‘yes.’

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In project management, it's essential to recognise the limitations of what is possible and what is going to get your team into hot water. Pushing back isn't a sign of weakness; it's an act of experience and professionalism. By asserting reasonable limits, you can uphold your projects timelines, budgets, and resources.

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Within a respectful dynamic, pushing back can even build a healthier client relationship. Rather than blindly agreeing with every request, it shows a commitment to delivering quality results. Clients appreciate transparency and honesty; it builds trust and mutual respect. Ultimately, the goal of good project management isn't just to deliver projects in the short term, but to achieve success in the long run.

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Embracing the power of ‘no’ ensures that projects progress smoothly, efficiently, and with the best interests of your client at heart. So, dare to push back when necessary; it might just be the most beneficial decision for yourself, your team and your client.

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Has there been a time you’ve felt compelled to say yes even when you think it should be a no? Or do you have any handy tips to those that struggle with being a ‘yes person?’ Tell us in the comments…