"Communicating with IMPACT" - Patrick Donadio, MBA

7 Ways to Say No Going along with my theme from my last post "Not to Do List" I though I would reprint an article I wrote on ways to say "no!" I think many people struggle with telling others “No”. The reason they struggle is because they think they only have two choices. They can either say “yes” or “no”. I try to avoid “all or nothing” thinking. I believe that there are many alternative between the extremes. So here are several different ways I share with my clients on how they could say no: 7 Ways to Say No: 1) Say NO… with a straightforward explanation – “No, I’m uncomfortable doing that!” 2) Say NO… and give an alternative – “No. I can’t do that today, how about first thing in the morning?” 3) Say NO… and clarify your reason – Help them understand your position. Explain the why. “No. I can’t help you because I made commitment to my family to not work on weekends this month.” 4) Give Preface then Say NO… – “Each year we choose 3 charities to support and I am sor...

"Not To Do List" During this time of year, people starting thinking about making "New Year's Resolutions". I use to set New Year's Resolutions at the beginning of the year. Now I look at it differently. Every quarter I set and revisit my goals. I encourage my busy executive coaching clients to do the same. In addition to setting/revisiting new goals I ask my coaching clients to also create a "Not To Do List". Yes, I did say a "Not To Do List". Some of us (including myself) keep adding to our list and very seldom take the time to look at the list and ask, "What can I stop doing?" ACTION IDEAS Here are a few ways to make "Anti-Resolutions" and remove some of those goals on your list that no longer serve you: 1. Does it fit in with you current mission/vision of your organization? Is not, take it off the list. 2. Is it the best use of your time? Can or should someone else be doing it? If so delegate it 3. Does is bring va...