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20 Good Reasons to Say No to an Idea

by Jennifer V. Miller

Every day, you’re in a position to say “yes” or “no” to people.

Doesn’t matter what you do for a living – someone is always requesting something of you:

Customers want you to cut them a special deal

Employees make difficult requests of their managers

Kids plead, “Just one more story, Mom!” at bedtime

A vendor pitches you a cool (but pricey) new product

Do you have a good reason for saying no?

Just as there are bad reasons for saying yes, there are good reasons for saying no.  Not sure how to tell the difference?

Check out this photo of something I clipped from the paper eons ago. (I’d give credit if I could, but can’t recall where I got it. Anybody know the source?)

If I’m ever on the fence with an “opportunity”, I glance at this piece of paper, which is taped to a filing cabinet next to my computer. Don’t get hung up by the word “sale”.  Remember, everyone is selling something. So, just substitute “idea” for “sale” and “boss/colleague/internal customer for “customer”.

20 Good Reasons to Say No to an Idea

 

 Voila! Instant Opportunity Gauge

 

Question – Which reason resonates most with you and why?

Aug 30 2012 · Categorized: Personal Effectiveness · Tagged: Career, Integrity, Productivity

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