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Mar 7, 2023 · Like with all the toxic coworker types, you can try to help someone transform, but ultimately it’s not up to you to fix the person’s behavior. You’re at your job for you, and your own well-being comes first. Toxic coworkers—like credit stealers, microaggressors, and gossipers—make it hard for you to do your job and are harmful to be ...
- Union
Through persistence and teamwork in the contract negotiation...
- How to Deal With Negative Co-Workers at a Great Job
When facing a co-worker who wants to complain, gossip, or...
- 8 Ways to Get Your Co-workers to Stop Gossiping
Unfortunately, in the long run, gossiping will only harm...
- Calls
And when you say it, make sure to stay calm and act...
- Union
- Someone Needs Last-Minute Help on an Unreasonable Deadline. Let's say you're asked to write a report within a day when it normally takes a week to complete.
- The Task Interferes With Your Primary Work. You're already struggling to juggle everything on your plate. The last thing you need is someone butting in and insisting you do this and that "within the next five minutes."
- The Task Is Not in Your Wheelhouse. Granted, you can learn how to do a completely unfamiliar task on the fly. But if you're asked to do something like write a thorough report on OSHA regulations within an hour, you're well within your rights to politely decline the assignment.
- You're on Vacation or PTO. Vacations are supposed to recharge you for the workplace. If you're answering emails in the middle of sunbathing in the Caribbean, you might as well not take time off at all.
Nov 14, 2023 · When you rightfully want to say "no," the wording and tone are important. First, people are not used to hearing a refusal to their requests for the above reasons. Some individuals even exploit ...
Dec 1, 2020 · Never be afraid to say no when you are asked to cover for a coworker’s inability to manage their own tasks or time. This will then become a reflection of you and your work ethic. Although it can be difficult to say no when asked to help, it is necessary in times like this. If you begin to fall behind on work, your own job might be at risk.
- Overview
- Why it's important to know how to nicely say "no"
- How to nicely say "no"
- 50 ways to nicely say "no"
There may be times when your employer or a colleague asks you to do something and you aren't able to comply with their request. Although being agreeable is an important part of being a team player, it's also important to know how to say no in certain situations.In this article, we discuss how to nicely say "no" and why it's important to do so in ce...
Knowing how to nicely say "no" is an important part of asserting yourself and setting boundaries. When you constantly say "yes" to things you don't want to do, you may find yourself in challenging situations. When saying "no," there are plenty of ways to reframe your decision in a polite manner. By coming off professionally, your coworkers or emplo...
1. Be straightforward
Instead of saying "maybe" or "I don't think so," be straightforward in your answer. Make sure whoever is asking you the question understands that you mean no now and forever. When you say things like, "maybe later" or "some other time" you should mean what you are saying. Otherwise, these types of in-between answers may prompt the person to ask you the question another time.Related: How to Decline a Job Offer (With Email Examples)
2. Briefly explain yourself
It's polite to give a brief explanation of why you are saying "no." This can help soften your answer and help the person understand why you decline. When giving your explanation, keep it short. It's not your responsibility to give a lengthy explanation with all of the details. After a sentence or two, the other person should be understanding of your decision. Rather than fabricating an intricate reason why you're saying "no," keep it simple and courteous.
3. Bring up an alternative
If you want to be seen as a team player at work, offer an alternative when you say "no." For example, if your coworker asks for your help but you're too busy, you could say, "Sorry, no. I'm really busy with my own tasks right now. If you still need help by the end of the week, please let me know. I can offer my help then." This shows that you want to be agreeable and helpful while also respecting your own boundaries.The same is true if you're invited to an after-work event but feel too tired to go this time. You can politely decline by saying, "It's been a hectic week for me, and I need some time to relax. Can we reschedule for next Monday?" When you set these clear boundaries, people learn to respect your needs. Everyone can understand that you need some time for yourself, and creating this precedent upfront makes it easier to say "no" in the future.
Having the ability to say "no" at work can allow you to be more in charge of your career. Use these examples to politely say "no" to your employer and coworkers:
1."Unfortunately, I have too much to do today. I can help you another time."
2."I'm flattered by your offer, but no thank you."
3."That sounds fun, but I have a lot going on at home."
4."I'm not comfortable doing that task. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
5."Now isn't a good time for me. I'll let you know if my schedule frees up."
To say ‘no’ politely in a formal situation, try these phrases: “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend/participate in…”. “I appreciate the offer, but I must decline due to…”. “I’m afraid I cannot commit to that at this moment.”. “Thank you for considering me, but I am unable to take on any additional responsibilities ...
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Jul 6, 2023 · 1 Assess the request. First things first, assess the request. Before jumping to the conclusion that you have to say “no”, ask for more information about the opportunity. Dillon suggests asking about the deadlines, the importance of the opportunity, and what exactly your job would be.
