Veronika Cheplygina – 5 strategies for saying “no” more often

I’ve written about this issue before, but there is some very good advice here. Here are the headlines, but do read the whole thing.

1. Does it help or hurt my goals?

2. Data, data, data!

3. Keep a list of things you’ve said no to

4. No Committee

5. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s no

It should go without saying, but comments on any such posts mean that it doesn’t: saying ‘no’ is not really about avoiding work, but of deciding what is most important to you and to others, and being strategic about opportunities. If you accept too much work, you’ll end up having to say ‘no’ indiscriminately at a latter stage, or letting people down, or making yourself ill.