Learn How to Say "No"

If you want to become as productive as possible and become a master at managing your tasks you must also become a master at saying no.

Here are 4 simple steps that will help you say no without sounding offensive.

1. Say no with an explanation

"I would like to help you but I am already overbooked and if I take on one more task my family will start to suffer."

"I would like to stay late and help you finish that project but I have already made plans for this evening"

2. Offer an alternative

"If you can wait until later on today or possibly next week I believe things will lighten up by then"

"If you would like for me to show you how it's done, I will gladly do so."

3. Suggest someone else
"Is it possible that George or Sally can assist you?"

"Perhaps Sue and Sam would enjoy going to the concert with you, have you considered them?"

4. Quickly move onto another topic
"Is there anything else that I may be able to help you with before I get back to work?"

"Thanks for thinking of me though, can I help you with anything else?"

Notes:
Stand firm and do not apologize for not doing the task; doing so makes you out to be the one doing something wrong.

Do not say no just to avoid doing a task you don't like. Make sure the request really is an inconvenience because you will need someone's assistance one day and what goes around eventually comes around.

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