Imagine approving every request that crosses your desk, then discovering you’re booked until 2045. For some good leaders, saying no simply and clearly is just hard. (Download a copy of my “Saying No” guide here)
The truth is that saying no when it’s true and necessary is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. It is the way of love-powered leaders. And it will help you create clarity, get everyone focused, and build trust—all of which make for better results.
Are You Good at Saying “No?”
When you rarely say no, you end up overcommitting, spreading yourself and your team too thin, and losing sight of what truly matters. You no longer have the time and space to lead effectively.
Let’s dive into two of the most common traps that keep many executives from saying no and being as impactful as possible: One is a desire to please. The other is the lack of clear priorities. Consider if these apply to you.
Trap #1: Desire to please (is this you?)
The Problem: You avoid saying “no” because you worry about being perceived as uncooperative, rude, or selfish. Your fear of disappointing people or damaging relationships blocks you from setting boundaries. The more you try to please everyone, the more you spread yourself too thin, and your ability to focus on strategic priorities diminishes.
The Fix: Recognize the importance of boundaries for both yourself and those around you. Practice saying “no” respectfully, starting with low-risk situations. You don’t need to apologize or offer excuses—simply acknowledge the request, explain why you cannot take it on, and offer an alternative if possible.
The Win: By saying “no” confidently, you can create a culture of truth-telling and respect within your organization. Others will appreciate your honesty, and you’ll foster stronger relationships based on trust and clarity. You’ll also reclaim time and energy for the things that truly align with your mission and vision.
Trap #2: Lack of Clear Priorities (is this you?)
The Problem: Without a clear sense of what’s most important, it’s easy to say “yes” to anything that comes your way. You make reactive decisions instead of strategic ones. This causes overwhelm, confuses your team about what really matters, and lets truly important projects fall through the cracks.
The Fix: Define your top priorities (three max!)—those that align with your vision and long-term strategy. Use them as your decision-making filter when new requests or opportunities arise. If something doesn’t align with your priorities, say no and protect your time for what really matters.
The Win: When you say “no” to distractions, you make space for focused, high-impact work. You’ll have more energy and time to dedicate to the initiatives that move the needle, and your team will benefit from the clarity that comes with knowing where to focus their efforts.
Say YES to Saying NO!
If you’re ready to embrace the power of saying “no” and lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence, let’s work together. With the right tools and support, you can master the art of prioritizing, setting boundaries, and saying “no” gracefully. Reach out todayto explore how coaching can help you lead with greater focus and impact.
3 Powerful Amare Steps to Get Better at Saying NO
1. Get clear on your priorities. Spend some time this week defining what truly matters to you and your organization. Ask yourself, “What are the three things I should be focusing on to drive our vision forward?” These become your filter for making decisions about where to spend your time.
2. Practice saying “No.” Choose one situation where you’ve been avoiding taking a stand—agreeing to unnecessary meetings, under-delegating, or postponing tough decisions. Practice saying “no” with clarity and respect – even if it’s uncomfortable. Start small and build up your confidence.
3. Regularly check your boundaries. Take a moment each week to assess how well you’re maintaining your boundaries. Are you overcommitting again? If so, recalibrate. Set a reminder to check in with your priorities and ask yourself if the new requests align with them.
Take Your Next Step Now
The good news is that with the right strategies and tools, you can break free of the traps and make saying “no” a leadership superpower.
Right now, identify one area where you’ve been saying “yes” too often (you already know what that is, I bet!) and make a conscious decision to say “no”. Reflect on how it feels to set that boundary and notice how it shifts your focus.
With each “no,” you’ll make more room for the right “yes, for the things that truly matter. Saying no is empowering, and it’s a choice that leads to greater freedom and fulfillment, helping you become a more focused and impactful leader.
You’ve got this,
Moshe
Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote
“NO is a complete sentence.”
— Written by many, originator unknown
Click here and read more Amare Wave Wednesday newsletters on related topics:
The Beautiful Art of Letting Go: Why Leaders Need to Destroy the Old to Create the New
Stand by Your Values—How to Meet Today’s Chaos with Clarity
Lead with Confidence: How to Stay Grounded in Times of Constant Change
Do NOT Negotiate Your Non-Negotiables! How to Stay True to Your Word as an Amare Love-Powered Leader
Stop It: A Leadership Lesson in Getting Better By Letting Go of What No Longer Works
Original article published on Inc.com.
