Resourceful managers always have a lot going on. It comes with the territory. So we sometimes have to say no to demands for our time. And most people respect that.
But then there are The Others. You recognize them. The PWNHNs – the People Who Never Hear No.
They’re always clamoring for your time, and you Just. Can’t. Tell. Them. No.
They ask. You politely say no.
They cajole: “But you’re perfect for this! I need you!”
They pout: “What do you mean, no? You did it last year!”
They argue: “It won’t take long. You can fit it in between meetings.”
But you can’t be everything to everyone. You can stop the PWNHNs by recognizing their tactics, getting smart about avoiding their traps and learning how to say ‘no’.