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Author: Catherine Franz
Imagine this, a co-worker enters your office and says: "Cathy, could I talk with you for a minute? I'm having a real problem with...." You glance at your watch and think of the report that's due in an hour. What do you do?
What happens if you were Cathy's supervisor?
Let's continue. You're
What we would like to say and what we end up doing is usually two different things. Good news, tactfully saying no is a learned skill. It requires know-how and practice. Let's get into ten how-tos and alternatives to help you practice.
Tip 1: There are three parts to meshing a "no but not no" response. The first part acknowledges and empathizes. The second part is a situation statement. And the third part is an action statement.
An example of an empathy statement: "Sam, I'm sure this problem is important."
Now let's add a situation statement: "I'm working on a report that I promised to finish within the next hour."
The third, an action statement, needs to describe what you will do or offer as an alternative: "Let's get together this afternoon at 2 PM. I'll meet you in your office."
You have just said no, without saying no.
Tip 2: What if its your supervisor interrupting you? What do you do? Here's how to mesh the three parts.
Sandy, your supervisor enters, "Lisa, I hate to interrupt you, but we have a real problem in the field, I need to talk with you right away. Could I see you in my office?"
First, the acknowledgment statement: "Sandy, I'm sure this is an important problem." ( Next Page )
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