142. Saying No in a Positive Way

Secrets From a Coach - Debbie Green & Laura Thomson's Podcast

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This is the third in our Confidence and Self-Belief mini-series where it is all about you and your mind. This one focuses on a hot topic of our time - how to say no, decline an invitation or raise a problem without looking like you are the problem! With continuing change and disruption impacting many workplaces, being able to say no in a positive, can-do way is not only an everyday assertiveness moment, it is also essential self-protection if resources are stretched and workload is high. Its about saying no, so you can say yes to the things that count.
We discuss the impact our 'personal drivers' has on being able to say no, and tips for setting your boundaries to be clearer on what is ok and what isn't. The gold/silver/bronze approach is a simple way to plan your approach - or help someone else to do the same. We share examples of the impact of language, and how it isn't saying no to that person, just the task in that moment so that it becomes less personal. Rather than a relationship issue, saying no is a logical, realistic decision in that moment to enable something better to happen. For the more squeamish, we share handy phrases and 'sentence-starters' to be able to practice this with immediate effect.
Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library:
Ep. 113. Managing Expectations - speaking up, sharing challenges in a can-do way
Ep. 91. from Overwhelm to Ownership - getting your head above water
Ep. 80. Creating Honest and Innovative Meetings - being mindful to enable truth