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When No Means Yes

March 21, 2013 By The Woman Behind The Curtain Leave a comment

When No Means Yes

Working for Captain Reman, it’s hard not to be a student. Like many of my coworkers, I often find myself getting hooked on a particular social media blog, new book, or TED talk series.

Recently, a really good read from productivity expert Neen James popped into my inbox and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. And lucky you, I’m going to share….
With spring & warmer weather right around the corner, you might be like me in feeling that you’re so busy that you don’t know if you’ll be able to find the time to appreciate it…or even notice.  There are customers to help, sales goals to hit, fires to put out, and new business to be done.
Maybe you’re special and have more than the standard 24 hours in the day. But where do the rest of us start if we need to get all of our work accomplished yet still want to have time for a few “passion projects”?
You start with no.
One small word that stands on it’s own. One word that needs zero explanation. Saying it, though, is only half the battle:
No-Way #1- Have Written Priorities. Before you get crazy with saying no to any new task that comes your way, understand the full scope of what you’re working on AND what is being asked. Are you the best person for the job? Could you get it done in time? Do you understand it from start to finish? If you find that your “to-do” list is scattered between a Google calendar, a planner in your bag, and a bunch of post-its stuck all over your desk, I think you know where you need to start. 
No-Way #2- Delete & Delegate. One of Neen’s points that connected with me most is that saying no isn’t about shirking responsibility and letting it all fall to the wayside. If you don’t have time to do something because your plate is too full, are there things already on there that someone else could do? Or better yet, things that could be done better than even you could? 
No-Way #3- Be Brief. Saying no isn’t easy, especially if you’re a part of a team.  If you over-explain your reasoning behind why you can’t take on planning the company retreat or organizing your new parts area, you’ll quickly be that guy. The one who makes excuses and isn’t a team player.
Saying no means that you’re saying yes to working as best, as passionately, as productively as you can. A bunch of little no’s can add up to some pretty big yes’s in your business, for your team, and for your customers.
photo credit: © jodieasy– stock.adobe.com



So where can you find the article and more productivity tips? Check out Neen’s page. She’s smart, tough, and I owe her for becoming less of a yes-woman myself. Where in your busy schedule could you use no? Share in the comments below!

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