How to Say No to Your Boss Without Being Rude - The Muse

How to Say No to Your Boss Without Being Rude - The MuseHow to Say No to Your Boss Without Being Rude Your anfhrer asks you to take on a new project, and your first thought is There is just no way. Maybe its because youre already juggling three projects near deadline, or maybe you fundamentally disagree with his strategy.Sure, you could try to just power through all of the projects or propose something you think a client wouldnt be interested in, but you probably know thats neither the best nor the fruchtwein professional option.Pushing back on a request from your boss can be intimidating (especially if you work for someone whos,lets say, not the most receptive to answers outside the realm of Of courseWhenwould you likeit completed?), but the truth is, its significantly better than setting yourself up to fail.The trick is to push back more diplomatically- getting your point across without actually using the word no.Read on for how to approach some commonsituations,as well as one time you shouldprobably justsayyes.Situation You Truly Dont Have the TimeInstead of Theres No Way I Have Time for ThatTry Could You Help Me Prioritize My Project List?While, No, I dont have time, seems like a perfectly legit response when youre up to your elbows in other work, it can also make your boss question your ability to capably prioritize and execute the tasks that are on your plate.So, this is the time to remember, Show, dont tell. Respond to your boss by saying, Could you help me prioritize my project list? In that meeting, lay out what youre working on, how long its taking, and what you would have to delay or stop doing in order to take on the new task.The best thing about this approach is that, along with demonstrating everything on your plate, youre giving your boss the opportunity to weigh in on whats most important. That way, if the new project can be passed off or held for later, it likely will be, and if it needs your attention now, you have full permission to de-priori tize something else.Situation You Disagree With the Strategy at HandInstead of I Dont Think Thatll WorkSay Can I Throw Out Another Idea?Even if youre thinking, No, I would never take that approach with this client- how could you even consider that? remember that the abrasive approach is not terribly conducive to brainstorming new ideas.Instead, try, Can I throw out another idea? One of two things happens when you ask a question like that- clearly, your boss says yes or no. But heres the amazing part If your boss says yes (which happens more often than not) she has welcomed you to contribute a new approach before you even start in, which means shes much more likely to consider it.If she says No- this is the way were doing it, you know shes serious about the proposed strategy, despite your reservations. (At this point, you have to ask yourself if youre comfortable assuming she has some additional context or end game or- only on the most important occasions- jump to, I hear this is not the time for new ideas, but I have a serious concern, namely...)Situation You Just Dont Want ToInstead of Ugh, NoSay Sure (Usually)Someone has to arrive mega-early for an upcoming event. Someone needs to work late the night before. Someone needs to drop what he or she is doing and run to Kinkos. Whether youre on a small staff or facing a busy time of year, there are times when your boss asks you to do a bit extra, and part of you just wants to say, Isnt there someone else who could do it?Fact is, though, no one will consider you a team player if you disappear when its time to pitch in, and you dont want to be known as the employee who thinks hes above it. So, in general, its important to say yes when completing a nuisance task will be little more than, well, a nuisance.That said, you can still say no if the task will distract you from your other projects (see situation 1) or if you are disproportionately the one asked and feel as though youre being taken advantage of.If thats the c ase, in lieu of no, remind your boss how frequently youve been given odd jobs lately and include how you could better use that time. For example, Perhaps someone else could take the early shift this event- Ive prepped the room for the last two, and would love to take that time tomorrow to... By speaking clearly- but without the letters n and o- youre finding a way to get your point across without making your boss get defensive. That way, you keep the focus where it should be (that everyone wants the best results) and wont get caught up in who decides how things are done.