I get it: You want to prove to your colleagues that you’re a team player. Plus, you don’t want to let anyone down in the office. But sometimes, your co-workers or boss may cross a line or ask for too much, and saying no becomes entirely necessary—even though it feels nearly impossible.
So, when should you be saying it at work, and how should you go about saying it (without risking your reputation)? Make sure you check out these nine articles before you do anything.
- Any easy excuse for saying no is to figure out your priorities and determine what’s important versus what’s urgent. (Marie Forleo)
- Setting boundaries at work is critical for keeping people off your back. (Psych Central)
- Know that it’s totally OK to say it to your boss; you just have to know the right way to do it. (US News and World Report)
- If you’re in more of a managerial role, you may be wondering how you can shut down employees’ requests and ideas without sounding like a jerk or ruining team morale. Fear not, there’s a way. (Inc.)
- Turning down someone without offering a solution can burn bridges really quickly. Try using one of these three avenues instead. (Business Insider)
- It might seem obvious, but never forget to be diplomatic when doing it. (The Next Web)
- One rejection doesn’t fit all. Luckily, 99U created templates for seven of the most common requests you’ll need to turn down. (99U)
- Feel like you’re saying it too much? Trust me, this CEO says it a lot more—and she’s smart about it. (Fast Company)
- Not sure when the right time is to blurt it out? Here are four common office scenarios in which it might be in your best interest. (The Daily Muse)