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So. You’ve been swamped with work all day, and it’s 4:30. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel, when around the corner comes your supervisor or co-worke with a request: “Hey, can you add this to your list? It’s a rush job – it’s gotta be in before 5.”
Sound familiar?
You’re this ( – ) close to going postal, and it’s not the first time. But instead of losing your mind and saying something you might regret, remember that there is a better way to say no.
“People say, ‘there is no good way to give bad news.’ But there are steps you can take to make the conversation go as well as possible,” writes Holly Weeks, author of Failure to Communicate.
Here are a few pieces of advice that can help you say “no” to your boss without losing your job:
Gather intel
Before you just say “no” right away, gather more information about the work request and see if it’s something that interests you and assess if you can take it on with your current workload. If you cannot take it on completely, think about a colleague that may be able to help you out.
If you take the time to learn about the project, the other person will realize that you don’t reject projects right away.
Be up-front
If you assess the situation and you don’t have an interest in the work or the help to do it, it’s better to be up front rather than try and dance around the issue.
Be clear and mention the projects that are currently underway that you are working on and mention that either the new project or current work would suffer because you would not be able to provide the attention it deserves.
“There is no good way to give bad news, but there are steps you can take to make the conversation go as well as possible.” – Author Holly Weeks
Also, by clarifying your current workload, the other person will be able to see that you do have a lot on your plate and taking on more work wouldn’t be possible at this time.
Be sympathetic
If you’re not helping out, the workload falls into their hands. So it’s important to mention this by saying, “I realize that you’ll have to take on this project now because I’m unable to at the moment.” By acknowledging their feelings, you show that you are sympathetic to their current situation.
Be gentle, yet firm
Karen Dillon, co-author of How Will You Measure Your Life? says, “The manner in which you say no is so important. Don’t make the other person feel bad for asking you for help.”
Be careful and watch your body language and your tone of voice when you speak to the person.
Know that it won’t be easy
Even if you follow these steps to the letter, it’s still difficult and awkward to say no to your boss. Be prepared for backlash. However, at the end of the day, you have to make sure that you are not overwhelmed with stress for both your physical and mental health.
Blaire Appotive is the founder of Toronto-based Ignite Consulting, which provides digtal marketing services to small businesses and entrepreneurs.