Declining clearly.
WHAT SITUATIONS ARISE
Requests outside scope Discounts you will not give Deadlines you cannot meet Meetings you should not attend Work you should not take
WHAT TO DO
Say no, clearly, near the start.
WHY NOT VAGUELY
Vague deferral produces repeated asking and eventual resentment.
WHAT VAGUE SOUNDS LIKE
Let me see what I can do We will try Possibly
WHAT CLEAR SOUNDS LIKE
We cannot do that, and here is why.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
The reason, briefly An alternative, if one exists
WHY AN ALTERNATIVE
It demonstrates willingness, and it frequently solves their problem.
WHAT ALTERNATIVES LOOK LIKE
A different timeline A reduced scope A different approach Someone else who can help
WHAT TO AVOID
Apologising extensively for a reasonable position Explaining at such length that it invites negotiation Blaming policy without explaining it
WHAT TO DO IF THEY PERSIST
Repeat the answer once, consistently.
WHY CONSISTENTLY
Changing under pressure teaches that pressure works.
WHAT TO DO IF THEY ESCALATE
Let the decision be made at that level.
WHAT TO KEEP
A record of what was asked and answered.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
A clear no is more respectful than a vague maybe.
