Deep Dive Series: The Power of No Through Redirection
By Tana M. Mann Easton, Lead Efficiency Engineer
For most of us, when we need help we don’t care who actually ends up helping us. We just care that we’re helped. So if someone asks us for aid, and we’re not willing or able to do so, giving them a hint of where to go instead is a great way to give a supportive no.
Let’s imagine you’re at your job, it’s a particularly hectic season, and your manager asks if you would like be part of a new firm initiative. The description of the program doesn’t sound like something you’d be interested in even if you weren’t so bogged down, so you want to pass. However, you spoke to a newer and already very capable employee in your office recently, and he mentioned he would like to get more involved in firm-wide projects to get more opportunities. Instead of simply rejecting the offer yourself, you could say, “You know who would probably like joining that initiative? Dario.” You redirect your manager to where a yes might be found.
Or consider this scenario. A friend or family member asks you for help with a task like writing a college entry essay or a cover letter or anything else you’re not well-versed in and therefore wouldn’t be of much assistance. Instead of just declining, give the request a quick thought and ask yourself, “If I needed to do this, where would I start?” Maybe it’s a Google search. Maybe there’s a book you think might be helpful. Perhaps there’s someone on social media who you know specializes in whatever they’re looking for. Redirecting a person to the next step is aiding without taking anything additional onto your own plate. It’s a supportive no.
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Sincerely Yours,
Focus to Evolve Team