60-Second Leadership Tip #5: Say “No”

Woman Working Remotely

“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” – Warren Buffet


Warren Buffet is considered the most successful investor in the world. He’s worth US $73.7 billion, dwarfing the wealth of Donald Trump, who’s allegedly worth a few billion only. His quote on success is equally valid for leaders in business. If you want to be successful, you need to learn to say “no”.

There are many reasons why we agree to tasks and projects we should not be doing. One reason is the desire to not let people down. Another is not wanting to miss out on interesting opportunities.

Reflect: Why do you agree to do projects that you and your team should not be doing?

One of the examples I give in my book is:

“Marketing is not my area of expertise. However, I can connect you to Michelle, who has a team of very capable marketing people. She might have the right person for you. Would you like me to do that?”

The above “no” doesn’t use these two letters, which can be very confrontational – and we’ll look at that in more detail next time. The point is to reject in a way that makes people still happy they came to see you. The above rejection is polite, gives a short but clear reason why you’re not doing the task, and provides an alternative solution.

Chances are that whoever asked you for the favour will walk away, still very happy because of the advice you gave.

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Mette Johansson

For two decades, Mette held various leadership positions within the field of Corporate Communications in multinational companies. In 2013, she decided to make a pivotal change to her life, quit her safe job in the corporate world and founded two separate businesses – in the area of investment consultancy as well as in corporate training. The values that link the two businesses are supporting growth – growth in personal development and growth in wealth.

Mette has lived, studied and worked in 11 different countries and feels very much at home in Singapore’s multicultural society.

As a business coach, she is passionate about helping others succeed in their chosen careers. She believes that the key to success is focusing on small changes that lead to big results. She is a strong believer in and walks the talk about continuous learning and the self-improvement process.

As the author of the book “How to Make Yourself Promotable”, she talks about working on the basics to make that promotion you’re yearning for happen faster. It’s targeted especially for people who have already settled into their jobs and know they want more in corporate life.

In addition to training professionals, Mette dedicates part of her time and profits to charity. She is deeply involved in providing young generations in lesser-developed countries the soft skills needed to succeed in life as well as education.

Today, Mette Johansson invites corporations and individuals alike to proliferate Authentic Leadership with the 7-step process to “Unmask The Leader Within™”. This 7-step journey has the power to transform entire organisations, unleashing true leadership potential through value-based management, embracing visions, values and purposes, and promoting human leadership principles.

This post was first published on MetaMind Training blog and has been reposted on Connected Women with the permission of the author.

Edited by: Michelle Sarthou
Image credit: creativecommonsstockphotos ID 83037039 | Dreamstime Stock Photos


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