LEARN TO SAY NO
July 23rd, 2008
Learning to say no may seem like a simple task however, many people have difficulty with such a little word! One of the most powerful words in the English language is the word NO. One of the areas in which using the word no is especially challenging is when you are dealing with time management issues.
Many of us are just used to saying yes. It is almost a habit to answer yes often before we actually hear the question being posed to us.
Saying no to anyone is difficult. When you are conducting a job search, it is important that you put yourself first! Most individuals have family and friends in their lives that require time and energy from them. Of course I don’t suggest that you completely shut out the significant others in order to conduct a thorough job search. Actually, it is important that you surround yourself with family and friends when you are searching for your next career move.
When you learn to say no in a positive manner, your results will probably surprise you. It is imperative that when you say no, you learn to say it politely. It needs to be said clearly so that there are no misunderstandings. You need to say it on a regular basis until it becomes a normal part of your time management vocabulary.
Say no to anything that is not a high-value use of your time and of your life. Say no kindly and graciously, yet firmly in order to avoid agreeing to something against your will, or something that you don’t have the time to devote. Try to stay organized, try to simplify your day. Focus on your priorities in order to get more done in less time.
It is okay to put yourself first – especially in your job search!
Say no early and say it often! Remember that spare time is just that… spare!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
V.P. of Sales & Marketing
Sales Coach/Consultant
