Unknowingly, we have an inherent need to say “yes”. Now many of you may argue with this statement but the reality of it is that you tend to say “yes” more often than you probably should. Whether it’s the enormous pressure you feel to fit into a culture or the weight of an authoritative figure that coerces the response. Sometimes it’s out of guilt. Other times it’s because you don’t want to let the requester down. There are several reasons for it and all of them result in the same response from you. You say yes and then have to deal with the repercussions of that response. Saying yes in most situations can be a problem.
Saying yes isn’t always that bad – at times it’s the logical and right response. So you could get away with a “no”. Though that itself can lead to problems. So now you’re stuck between saying yes or saying no. Either one of them has its set of consequences and benefits. The question is how do you respond appropriately?
Here are 4 ways you can avoid saying yes without the fear of a negative impact.
1. Say Yes When it Adds Value
While you’re going against your inclination to say yes, avoid being dismissive when there’s value that you can gain. If saying yes would allow you exposure, learning, eventual growth, and forming alliances then that’s precisely what you should be saying. Sure it may be stepping out of your comfort zone, working extra hours and forgoing something that you were looking forward to, but think about what you gain rather than what you lose. Sure, avoid saying yes when there’s no value added to your career…
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