A request to donate your time or skills is an invitation. You always have two choices: accept or decline. Before you respond, give this question some thought:
"Will this opportunity move me toward my goals?"
If you know your goal and can see that this request for your time will take you off-track, pass.
Remember, the "right" decision is the one that is right for you.
Here are a three nice ways to say no.
If asked to join a club, chair an event, help a friend clean out their garage etc. say,
"Thanks for thinking of me, but my free time is tied up with a new project. I'm sure you understand."
If asked to do something that you've done before and don't want to do again, say,
"Thanks for asking, but I think it's time for someone new to have a chance to gain leadership experience within this group."
If you're asked to do something that is not in the least bit interesting say,
"Thanks, but that task is just not a fit for me."
Saying "no" in a nice way will leave doors open and friendships intact.
NEXT POST: more questions to ask before you make a decision about a request for your time.
Terrific suggestions. Maybe a sign by my kitchen phone with these written on them.
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice. I need to remember these and the fact that is okay to say no. It's always been the most difficult thing for me and I get trapped into doing so many things. Wishing you the best, Romney!
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