Have you ever felt overwhelmed with tasks at work but didn’t know how to decline additional responsibilities? You’re not alone. Saying no in a professional setting often feels counterintuitive. After all, teamwork and collaboration are usually at the core of a company’s values.
Saying no at work is complicated for several reasons:
I used to think the answer lay in clocking extra hours or streamlining my tasks, only to find myself overworked and underdelivering.
Rather than viewing a request as an added burden, see it as someone seeking a solution. You may not need to take ownership of the task to be helpful. Sometimes, clarifying the scope or directing the person to other resources can be just as valuable.
Questions to Clarify Requests:
Download The 6 Clarifying Questions Guide and practice building these questions into your conversations at work.
Before answering, take a moment to review your current workload. A simple list outlining your tasks, deadlines, and progress can help you decide. If pressed for an immediate answer, explain you need time to assess your capacity responsibly.
Learn more: Workload Management
After going through these steps, you’ll be better equipped to give a considered response. If the answer is no:
Remember, the outcome isn’t always a flat-out no. Sometimes, it’s about rearranging or shedding tasks to accommodate the new one or offering a partial yes.
The Importance of Saying No
Learning how to say no at work is vital for maintaining a sustainable workload and work-life balance. Consider discussing your workload with your boss if you’re constantly at capacity.
Download our list of clarifying questions to prepare for the next time you need to say no at work.