How to Politely Decline Additional Projects

I used to think that saying 'Yes' to every opportunity was the only path to success. This definition led me to a relentless chase for achievement, where 'No' was a word that simply didn't exist in my vocabulary. However, It wasn't long before this mindset led to a perpetual cycle of overcommitment, stress, and an inevitable sense of burnout. The toll on my well-being was evident, and paradoxically, my work suffered. The myth I held onto—that affirming everything would accelerate my career—was actually holding me back. I knew a change was needed. Only when I started embracing the power of 'No' did I begin to unlock higher levels of effectiveness and satisfaction in my career. This wasn't just about turning down requests; it was about affirming my priorities, respecting my limits, and ultimately, contributing more value in areas that truly mattered. To navigate this shift and build the skill of strategic “No," I turned to my friend Nihar Chhaya, an accomplished CEO coach with over 25+ years of experience. Nihar shared with me the following tips on how great leaders effectively say “No” (without burning bridges): 💬 "Let’s find another way to address this." ↳ Promotes collaboration and problem-solving. 💬 "I am unable to do it but I know [Name] can help." ↳ Suggests someone else who might assist. 💬 "I can't attend the event but thanks for the invite." ↳ Politely declines while showing gratitude. 💬 "Is there some other way I can support you?" ↳ Redirects the request while still offering assistance. 💬 "I can’t attend this meeting, but can I get the notes?" ↳ Declines while showing interest in staying informed. 💬 "I can’t join this project, but I can offer some advice." ↳ Declines participation while offering support. 💬 "Let’s set a different deadline that works for us both." ↳ Shows willingness to adjust and help with your limits. 💬 "Can we look at this again in a few weeks?" ↳ Keeps the door open for the future without a firm no. 💬 "Thank you for thinking of me, but I have priorities." ↳ Shows respect while setting boundaries. PS: Saying 'No' strategically prioritizes what matters to maximize our impact and supports our well-being. ---- Follow me, tap the (🔔) Omar Halabieh for daily Leadership and Career posts.

If you’re a people pleaser like me, you likely have a challenging time saying “No” - especially when it comes to work opportunities. However, it’s important to remember that saying “no” means saying “yes” to other things you may need that time for, whether that be yourself or other priorities. For those of you who struggle with politely declining, here’s my favorite formula for say “no” (nicely😉): KISS KILL KISS. We’ve all heard of the “Feedback Sandwich” - smush your feedback in between two compliments. With saying “no”, I do just that: 1. KISS😘: “I’m honored that you’d consider me for this opportunity” / “Thank you for trusting me with this initiative” 2. KILL🔪: “Unfortunately due to my current schedule, I’m unable to participate with the effort that this opportunity deserves” 3. KISS (again😘): “Again, I can’t thank you enough for considering me” Start saying “Yes” by saying “No” - you’ve got this!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱? So those that know me know I don’t say no very often. Ami Vora and I have been friends for nearly 15 years. Over that time, we have learned from each other and encouraged each other. We decided to do a newsletter swap focused on “The advice I would give you.” 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗺𝗶 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴: As leaders, we often feel compelled to say "yes" to every opportunity. However, I've learned that strategic "nos" are crucial for meaningful impact and sustainable growth. If you know Deb, you know that she can’t resist jumping into problems.  It was a running joke in our team for all the years we worked together that whenever we needed something done, we could just mention it to Deb and she’d volunteer.  Here are five powerful strategies I've developed for saying no effectively: 𝟭. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 “𝗻𝗼” 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗮𝘆 “𝘆𝗲𝘀” 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁.  Instead of simply declining opportunities, frame your "no" around what you're actively pursuing. When approached for speaking engagements or advisory roles, I respond with clarity about my current focus: "I'm currently dedicated to [specific goals], so I'm declining other opportunities at this time." 𝟮. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄.  Sometimes, stepping back is the best way to lead forward. I've learned that automatically taking on challenges can inadvertently block others' development. By intentionally creating space for team members to step up, we foster growth and build stronger organizations. 𝟯. 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴.  Combat the "not doing enough" syndrome by maintaining a "pride list" - achievements that wouldn't have happened without your involvement. This practice helps validate your current commitments and makes it easier to decline additional responsibilities when your plate is full. 𝟰. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸. Just as we're advised to wait before making major purchases, apply the same principle to commitments. Visualize yourself taking on the task and revisit after 24 hours. If the excitement remains- maybe worth pursuing. If not, you've saved yourself from something that doesn't align with your goals. 𝟱. 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘁.  When you are unsure about declining something, please take a look at what happens if you don't immediately step in. If no one else takes initiative and it truly matters, you can always step up later. 💡 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: 𝗦𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 "𝗻𝗼" 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀—it's about creating space for what truly matters. These strategies have helped me maintain focus, and create room for meaningful impact and personal growth. This is advice I should take.

𝗜𝗳 𝗜 𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗻𝗼𝘄❟ 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿. The secret? 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 "𝗡𝗢" 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲｡ Early in my career, I was the ultimate people-pleaser. I said yes to every project, every after-hours request, every side task that came my way. I thought being agreeable meant being valuable. But here's the truth: 𝗦𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀. Boundaries aren't walls; they're guardrails that keep you on the path to success. When you politely decline requests that don't align with your goals, you're not being difficult - you're being strategic. People respect leaders who know their worth and protect their time and energy. Pro Tip: A graceful "no" sounds like: ✅ "I appreciate you thinking of me, but this doesn't align with my current priorities." ✅ "I'm focused on critical projects right now, so I can't take this on." ✅ "Let me recommend someone who might be a better fit for this." Your time is your most valuable currency. Invest it wisely. This week, practice saying no to one thing that doesn't serve your ultimate goals. Watch how it transforms your focus and productivity! #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipMindset #PersonalBranding #ProductivityTips #ProfessionalBoundaries #SuccessMindset

"The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything." - Warren Buffett Why? Saying no is the thing I struggle with most as a business owner. There's always a part of me that feels obligated to help or fears missing out on an opportunity. But here's the truth: every 'yes' comes at a cost. With Etereo, we've finally reached a point where we politely decline when a potential client is waving red flags. And our future selves? They're thanking us profusely. The power of 'no' isn't about shutting doors. It's about: Focusing on core competencies Preserving resources for ideal clients Maintaining team morale Enhancing our reputation as specialists Opening doors to higher-value opportunities How to say no effectively: Define your ideal client profile Establish non-negotiable criteria for new projects Practice polite but firm rejection Offer alternatives or referrals when possible The results speak for themselves: → Higher profit margins → Improved work quality → Stronger client relationships → Enhanced team satisfaction → Accelerated agency growth Remember, saying no isn't about limiting opportunities. It's about creating space for the right ones. What's a time you said no to a project that seemed good on paper, but wouldn't have been right for your agency? How did it pay off?

I'm 24. Here's one lesson I wish I knew at 16: High performers are professional eliminators. How to say no strategically (3-step framework): Step 1: Recognize misaligned opportunities. Get clear about what doesn’t serve your goals. Examples: • I don’t take on projects that don’t align with my career path. • I don't accept meetings that disrupt my focused work time. Step 2: Communicate your "no" professionally. Below is a framework for saying no effectively. While there's no one-size-fits-all, use this template to guide your approach: 1. Start with appreciation: "Thank you for thinking of me." 2. State your reason: "Currently, I’m focusing on [priority]." 3. Offer an alternative: "May I suggest [another person/time]?" 4. Reaffirm your decision: "I hope you understand and we can work together in the future." Tips for saying no: • Be firm but polite. • Be clear about your priorities. • Offer alternatives when possible. • Seek support from mentors or colleagues. Step 3: Protect your time and energy. In your career, you always have 3 options: Decline it, delegate it, or defer it. You’ve set your priorities (with a strategic "no"). Now you can either: 1. Decline misaligned opportunities. 2. Delegate tasks to others. 3. Defer tasks to a more appropriate time. No opportunity is worth sacrificing your bigger goals IMO. It may be easier said than done. But overcommitting and losing focus is the hardest of all. Know this: You are worthy of protecting your time and energy.

I was watching a video this morning by Mel Robbins about overcoming "people pleasing", and I resonated soooo deeply with her message: "People pleasing isn't about pleasing other people at all. What it's really about is your inability to feel normal, uncomfortable emotions." 😬 Wow, is that a little harsh on the soul - but man is it so true. As a self- (and family & friends-) diagnosed "people pleaser", I know that there is nothing that makes me more uncomfortable than thinking I am hurting someone's feelings, letting them down, or that they are mad or disappointed in me for not "coming through" for them. But over the years I HAVE gotten better about this, and I've done it through exactly what she continued on advising others: "The next time someone asks you to do something and you don't want to do it - say "No", ~*terror*~ and then let the feelings rise up, let them be disappointed, wait about about 90 seconds, and then, you will have broken the habit of people pleasing. You will have felt the feelings you are avoiding and thats the start of working on the coping skill that you need." "Letting people down" does NOT feel great. But overwhelming and burning yourself out does not feel great either. And that's where you have to add some "people pleasing coping skills" to your professional toolbelt. While a flat, "No." may sound a bit harsh, here are some *kinder* ways I've found to reject additional responsibility, while keeping my "be helpful, always" anxiety at bay: RECOMMEND: "I'm sorry, I can't help with that project right now, but I'm happy to take a look at what you need done and recommend someone who can." REFER: "No, I don't have the capacity to help out with that speaking gig, but I have a great person to refer you to." DEFER: "Unfortunately, I'm not an expert in that area, I believe you're looking for someone who specializes in XYZ, like XYZ Name." RE-PRIORITIZE: "Apologies, my team is totally at capacity, but I'm happy to go to leadership with you and see what things both our teams could re-prioritize if you're hearing this is a project that needs all hands on deck." Little "no"s wrapped up in a "helpful" ribbon for presentation. - What do you think of Mel's message? What has helped you team your inner "people pleaser"?