Saying “no” improves your productivity at work

“That’s not for you,” “Don’t touch that,” “Don’t do that.” As children, we receive far more denials than permissions. This is probably why, as adults, we feel embarrassed when we hear “no” and try to avoid saying it to other people. However, this directly affects our productivity.

When you are full of work

A coworker has asked for your help to complete a task, but you have your hands full with other tasks.

Politely explain that your workload does not allow you to help him at the moment and ask if it is possible to perform the task at another time, so as not to hinder his productivity.

Or, something that will show great consideration is to find someone who can help. Don’t feel guilty about saying no. How many times have you asked someone for something and they couldn’t help? How did you react?

Life goes on regardless of the answer, as does your relationship with your colleague.

Too many parallel tasks

Your boss keeps asking you to do side jobs, even though he knows your workload.

Say that you are currently very busy with another task, but that you are willing to help if you can get help reevaluating your priorities. And if too many tasks at the same time start to affect your deliverables, be sure to share the problem with your manager.

Explain to him that his main work is not being done with due dedication and attention due to the large number of requests.

As a last resort, don't respond in kind. Do the work requested, but document everything that happened.

Don't feel guilty, after all, you really do have a lot of work.

Set limits

Knowing how to adjust your schedule so that you have time for personal activities also involves the process of saying “no” to invitations that take your focus away. Never force yourself into a commitment just to avoid hurting someone.

If you have a job that will require a lot of energy in the afternoon, don't accept a last-minute lunch with a friend. Refusing to do something that could mess with your productivity and commitment to your obligations reinforces what really matters.

Every “yes” we say to one thing represents a “no” to another. By refusing to do something, you are allowing that time to be available for another activity, reaffirming your commitment to it. Knowing how to say “no” means knowing how to prioritize your time.

You only deliver perfect assignments

You focus so much on a task and only deliver when it is perfect.

Focus your energy on being productive, not perfectionistic. Perfectionists are always busy, while productive people are ahead of the game.

The ideal is to always deliver on time and with quality. Unless you are in an activity that requires impeccability, don't spend all your energy and time trying to deliver perfection. Focus on being recognized as a productive professional and not as someone who doesn't deliver on time.

You are capable

Learn from Van Gogh, who said: “Paint. If you hear a voice within you telling you that you are not capable of painting, then by all means paint. And that voice will be silenced.”

Perhaps in the past you have failed and been discouraged from trying, or from trying again.

No one is perfect, and even great names in any field have tried many paths before finding the one that brought them success. Success only happens if you learn from your mistakes. It’s time for you to learn from your mistake and say “no” to self-sabotage.

Experienced and successful people suffer from anxiety and insecurity. In an interview with Folha, actress Fernanda Montenegro, who has been on the scene for over 60 years, said that “I get butterflies in my stomach every day when I go on stage.”

How to give a negative response without sounding rude?

Think before you speak: Assess the situation before making a decision, so you don't come across as a person who doesn't participate in anything. Consider all the variables before giving your answer.

Argue: Bring the facts. Show that you are willing to collaborate, but that you know how to optimize your time and resources.

Be careful with your tone of voice: be careful with the way you speak. Use a neutral tone that conveys the message clearly.

Suggest: Suggest other ways to improve the process. This shows that you can create alternatives, as well as providing a positive conclusion to the conversation.

Conclusion

If you have a work method in which you prioritize tasks as a team, you understand the meaning of saying “no” to something that is not the best thing to do at the moment. Even if the people around you do not respect that.

People who take actions on impulse, without consulting or discussing with the group, take actions that are different from those necessary for the company. The relationship between professionals in a company is one of mutual necessity, after all, two heads are better than one. In this context, productivity needs to come first.

Employees need each other to evolve together. Working as a team requires empathy, assertiveness and knowing how to say “no” when necessary.

Saying “no” to everything that is asked of you is a very extreme act. Sometimes, requests for help come up and we really should grant them.

It's not about denying everything, but about thinking about your priorities, capabilities and availability to discern whether or not to accept what is being asked. And if the answer is no, you must say so in so many words.

The power of learning to say “no” brings productivity and freedom, and the more we exercise this right, the more comfortable we feel.

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