Have you ever said yes to a work decision you didn’t necessarily agree with or felt obligated to say yes? Chances are your answer to that question is most likely a ‘yes.’ Don’t worry; you are not alone. The fear of saying ‘no’ in the workplace and feelings of guilt associated with it is still widespread, even in today’s day and age.
We often accept workplace decisions and decisions by our top managers even when it causes us to be unhappy. This can be due to many reasons, including the fear of losing promotions or raises in the future and the guilt that comes with it. These are either learned behavior from society, or they can be attributed to our inability to understand the art of saying no or decision-making.
I’ve seen long-term effects of people who say “yes” over the past decade after working in high-pressure environments. This can lead to feelings of depression or burnout that slowly interfere with an individual’s daily activities. To release you from the pressures of saying ‘yes’ all the time, use this easy four-step process below and regain control of your work life!
1. Individual interest
When approached by an employer, whether it is to take on a higher role with the same pay or complete a task that is not within your job description, always ask yourself: Does what they’re asking me to do fit within my lifestyle or career plan?
If the answer is no, then there’s no reason to say yes to something that does not suit your needs or future career aspirations. Every person has different needs and interests.
For example, let’s say your workplace has offered you a promotion, but you have a side hustle, and your long-term goal has always been to work for yourself and leave your current role when possible. While a promotion may seem like a great opportunity from your employer’s perspective, it will prevent you from having the extra time to concentrate on your long-term goal.
“When you say yes to others, make sure you are not saying no to yourself.” – Paulo Coelho
2. Satisfaction
It is not unusual to be unhappy with the work we do every day, as we often spend a lot of time at work. You will have a poor mental outlook if you continue to do a task that is not satisfying for a long time. You have the right to decide what your workplace can or cannot do. If you aren’t satisfied with what your workplace is proposing, learn to say the magical word – No!
3. Talk with confidence
It is a great skill to acquire. Confidence can make a huge difference in how you say no. If you can show confidence and emotion when speaking, your response will be better received and won’t enable the opportunity for push-back. Keep your voice even and avoid asking open-ended questions.
A great way to remind your self to talk confidently is to recall past speakers from seminars and webinars. Did you pay attention to the boring speaker or did the emotional one grab your attention? Confidence is essential if you are to express your disapproval of an offer.
4. Don’t compare yourself
When surrounded by team members who constantly say yes to everything in the workplace, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling obligated to say yes too. It does not have to be like that. You need to see yourself as an individual and understand that what may suit your work colleagues doesn’t necessarily have to suit you too. Each person has different work needs. Your team member may be excited to complete ten additional tasks in addition to their existing workload. However, it is okay for them. It’s okay to be different!
Many people find it difficult to say no. But, you don’t have to. If you want to learn the art of saying ‘no,’ you need to start exercising the above tips. You have the right to refuse any offer that is not in your best interest. At first, you may feel out of your comfort zone, but don’t let that phase you. It will soon become second nature once you have done it several times.
It is also essential to understand that it doesn’t matter where you sit on the corporate ladder or where you work; if something does not serve you or your more significant needs, you don’t need to oblige to the demands placed upon you by members of your workplace. So, start today and say no to anything that doesn’t serve you!
Addicted 2 Success originally published the post 4 Ways to Stop Feeling Pressed to Say Yes in The Workplace.
