-Workplace Edition.
Work is such an essential part of everyone’s life that a simple ‘NO’ is connoted as an offense.
When things are said with genuineness and honesty, even a NO can be welcomed with an open heart.
Boundary setting at workplace
Empathy at the workplace comes in the form of understanding the needs of co-workers, potentials and their limits. It is essential to note that employees are at the end of the day humans who feel deeply. As employees, setting boundaries helps in being productive because you have the space to give your all on the work. Taking on extra work will prove to become redundant where quality will be compromised. A comforting work culture is the next step forward!
Exploring HOW to say NO to your boss and colleagues
#1. Be truthful about your reasons and explain the context of where you are coming from.
It is necessary to understand the reason why denying work is taken offensively. If your managers are aware of the reasons like- lack of productivity, existing work pressure, lack of competitiveness; etc then your unwillingness to not work on a certain task will be taken positively.
For eg: I am apologetic to turn down this offer but I really cannot devote my all to this project due to existing work projects and family stress.
#2 Choose the road of kindness rather than rudeness. (Knight,2015)
It is essential that you vocalize your concerns in a polite manner. When you are denying a project, you need to be aware that you are too responsible for the firm’s functioning at the end of the day. We, humans, love to cooperate when things are brought to us in a nice tone. An organization is like our second family. Maybe, rudely denying a project might professionally hurt your boss. This can be avoided by being assertive about your feelings but also soft. Remember, there is a fine line between being stern and being assertive.
A simple framing of what makes you think you can’t do it also works best!
For example, I am glad for this opportunity, but I believe I won’t be able to give my best while switching between existing projects. I hope you understand where I am coming from.
#3 Be open to provide suggestions and replacements
It is okay to decline or step down from a work opportunity. Providing with replacements and suggestions is a day-to-day thing that we humans engage in and it should be normalized in work situations too! It goes a long way in showing that you care about the situation even if you can’t engage in it.
For eg: While I cannot take this project, I believe Neha would be a great fit for the same. I would be happy to provide my inputs if and when needed.
Lastly, it is alright if you feel something isn’t made for you. You work for the benefits of your firm and if at any point you feel this motto is being compromised, choose to say NO.
REFERENCES:
Knight, R. (2015).How to Say No to Taking on More Work. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2015/12/how-to-say-no-to-taking-on-more-work
About the Author
Forum Parmar has completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Jaihind College, Mumbai. She is an art enthusiast and thoroughly interested in the human psyche. She finds pleasure in exploring restaurants, cooking and art. You can also find her in some corner sipping heartily on tea
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Really great article!
Great Article
Great article! Good job!
This was really insightful!