Deep Dive Series: The Power of Explicitly Giving No as an Option
By Tana M. Mann Easton, Lead Efficiency Engineer
Most people are intimidated by the prospect of saying no. So especially for requests when a yes isn’t expected or required, giving the words to say no in order to respect someone else’s no can be a thoughtful gesture.
For example, if you’re planning a happy hour at work and want to make sure you invite everyone and have an idea of who to expect but it’s just for fun and you don’t care how many people show up, your invitation may ask people to RSVP but let them know there’s no pressure for them to attend. Or if you’re inviting friends to go for a run with you in a couple of days, you might give “yes!” and “hell no!” as possible responses.
Adding words like no pressure, feel free to say no, no obligation, and no repercussions to your requests explicitly and proactively lets people know you are truly open to their full right to choose a course of action for your offer, thereby most likely lessening any anxiety they may have in declining your invitation.
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Sincerely Yours,
Focus to Evolve Team