20 ways to say 'No'

Порою резкие отказы по работе приходится заменять на более приличные выражения. А тут вот подкинули целый словарик по грамотным отводам:

1. I am in the middle of several projects




• let people know when you have accepted other responsibilities


• no need to make excuses if you don't have any free time


• no one will fault you for having already filled your plate





2. I am not comfortable with that




• you might be uncomfortable with any of a number of issues


• the people involved, the type of work, the morale implications, etc.


• this is a very respectful way to avoid a sticky situation







3. I am not taking on any new responsibilities




• you aren't saying that you will never help out again


• just that you feel your schedule is as full as you would like now


• understanding your limits is a talent to be expected





4. I am not the most qualified person for the job




• if you don't feel that you have adequate skills, that's okay


• it's better to admit your limitations up front


• the best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed down the road





5. I do not enjoy that kind of work




• life isn't about drudgery -- if you don't enjoy it, why do it?


• don't be afraid to let someone know you just don't want to


• someone else is bound to enjoy the work you don't





6. I do not have any more room in my calendar




• be honest if your schedule is filled


• "filled" doesn't have to mean really filled


• know when you are scheduled as much as you are willing and stop





7. I hate to split my attention among projects




• let people know that you want to do a good job for them


• but you can't when your focus is too divided or splintered


• you will be more effective if you focus on one project at a time





8. I have another commitment




• it doesn't matter what the commitment is


• it can even simply be time to yourself or with friends or family


• you don't have to justify -- you simply aren't available





9. I have no expirience with that




• volunteering shouldn't mean learning an entirely new set of skills


• suggest that they find someone who has experience in that area


• offer to help out with something that you already know how to do





10. I know you will do a wonderful job yourself




• people often ask for help because they doubt their own abilities


• let them know that you have confidence they will succeed


• you are actually doing them a favor in the long run





11. I need to focus more on my personal life




• don't be ashamed of wanting to spend time with your family


• having a strong family is an important priority in and of itself


• be willing to put your personal needs first





12. I need to focus on my career right now




• often, you have to focus your energies on a work-related task


• you may have to give up some civic or community duties


• if you don't do it, someone else will take on the task





13. I need to leave some free time for myself




• it's okay to be selfish -- in a good way!


• treat your personal time like any other appointment


• block off time in your calendar and guard it with your life





14. I would rather decline than do a mediocre job




• know when you aren't going to be able to deliver a quality product


• the reason doesn't matter -- not enough time, wrong skills, etc.


• whatever the reason is enough for turning a request down





15. I would rather help out with another task




• saying no doesn't mean that you can't help at all


• if someone asks you to do something you really despise, refuse


• then offer to help with something you find more enjoyable





16. Let me hook you up with someone who can do it




• if you aren't available to help out, offer another qualified resource


• helping to connect people is a valuable service to offer


• make sure the person you refer will represent you well





17. Not right now, but I can do it later




• if you really want to help but don't have time, say so


• offer to help at a later time or date


• if they can't wait for you, they'll find someone else





18. Some things have come up that need my attention




• unexpected things happen that throw your schedule off


• accept that you may need to make a few adjustments


• it is temporary and you will have more time when life stabilizes





19. This really is not my strong suit




• it's okay to admit your limitations


• knowing what you can handle and what you can't is a skill


• your time will be more efficiently spent on something you do well







20. NO




• sometimes it's okay to just say no!


• just say it in a way that expresses respect and courtesy


• leave the door open for good relations

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