How To Say NO Without sounding rude
There are many times throughout the years when I should have
said no to someone who wanted me to do side work or favor without any payment
for my time and effort, unfortunately, my inability to say no prevented me from
making money on projects I was working on, or I lost out on a project because I
was busy helping some ingrate who didn’t appreciate my time and effort for
them. I vowed never again when I asked for help and got a resounding NO in
response to my request for help. Ever since then, I’ve learned to put my wants
and needs first and gave me the permission to just say NO.
As much as I love to help people in need, I’ve since learned
to say no in a very polite way when someone wants to take advantage of my time.
Here is what I say, “let me think about it and get back to you”. This allows me
to think of how I want to word my response without sounding rude or unwilling to
help. I’ve also used the line, I” just don’t have the time in my schedule at
the moment.”
I happen to be a board member of a few nonprofits that take
up a lot of my time and energy, so over the last few years, I’ve had to politely
decline invites to sit on other boards that are similar in nature. When I have
to decline such a worthy invite, I simply thank them for the invite and gently
turn down the invite by saying, I am truly sorry but my schedule is jammed and
I just don’t have the time right now. Maybe another time I will be able to say
yes to your amazing offer to join your outstanding board of directors, but
right now, I must decline with great sadness.
Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political
operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, journalist. business professional, creative
artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a Masters in Criminology
and a BS in Business Management who stepped out of the loop for a while, but
who is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this
country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel
individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to
travel, photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to
garden and preserve food for the winter months.
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