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Time Management Expert, Event Speaker: Mark Lamendola |
| Productivity Case Histories | Productivity improvement articles | Time Tips Articles |
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Just say no. This is hard for some of us. Often, saying no slams a door in your face. The people you say no to won't ask again. Or, will they? It all depends on how you say no. Suppose your schedule is full, and someone asks you to take on an additional task. Suppose it's to be on the board of an organization. But, you don't have time. Your first answer should be, "This sounds very exciting. Before I say yes, I need to look at my other commitments. The last thing I want to do is come on board and not contribute. Can I get back to you tomorrow?" Then, make an honest appraisal of where you are. Do you have the time to take on this additional commitment? If not, what can you change so you do? If you have other commitments, which ones can you drop--and when? Your reply can then be an unqualified Yes. Or, it may go like this. "I am too committed to other things right now to take that position. But, I do have some time I could commit over the next six months, with the goal of taking the next similar position that opens up. Is there a supporting role I could play, just to stay in consideration for a larger role when I am able to commit?" Just saying, "No, thank you. I'm too busy." sends the wrong message. But, showing you have a sense of commitment and want to be part of the organization sends a strong message that you are a person of character and substance. Interestingly, you can even take this approach with a tax audit! (You have to be more timely than six months, though....). |
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Do you want to radically improve how well people in your organization make use of the limited number of hours in each work day? Contact me to arrange a time when we can talk about a presentation: mark@mindconnection.com. Why arrange a time? So I can give you full attention during the call. There's a really powerful time management tip. Ask me why it works. |