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 "no"s than "permissions." This is probably why, as adults, we feel embarrassed when we hear "no," and try to avoid saying it to others. However, this directly affects our productivity.

Often, the need to feel part of a group or to show that you can deliver more than expected makes you... "Yes" an obligation. But believe me, your professional performance is greatly affected by trying to "take on the world."

Being productive isn't about being busy all the time; it's about focusing on tasks that matter and make a difference. When you say "yes" to every new demand without questioning your priorities, you harm your productivity.

Being proactive, willing to help others, and knowing how to work in a team are qualities that every company needs, but from the moment you become overwhelmed by not knowing how to say "no," you end up missing deadlines, losing important tasks, and delivering lower quality work.

We've gathered some examples of when a "no" is extremely important for your job performance.

In this text you will find tips for saying "no":

• When you are overwhelmed with work.
• How to give a negative answer without seeming rude.

When you are overwhelmed with work.

A coworker asked for your help to finish a task, but you are overwhelmed with other tasks.

Politely explain that your current workload doesn't allow you to help and ask if it's possible to do the task at another time, so as not to disrupt your productivity.

Alternatively, something that would demonstrate great consideration is finding someone who can help. Don't feel guilty for refusing. 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.

Excessive multitasking

Your boss keeps asking you to take on extra tasks, even though he knows your workload is already defined.

Say that you are currently very busy with another task, but that you are willing to help if you receive assistance in reassessing your priorities. And if the excess of simultaneous tasks starts to harm your deliverables, be sure to share the problem with your manager.

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

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

Set boundaries.

Knowing how to adjust your schedule so that you have time for personal activities also involves the process of saying "no" to invitations that distract you. 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 invitation from a friend. Refusing to do something that could disrupt your productivity and commitment to your obligations reinforces what really matters.

You only deliver perfect work.

You focus so much on a task that you only deliver it when it's perfect.

Focus your energies on being productive, not perfectionist. Perfectionists are always busy, while productive people are ahead of schedule.

Ideally, you should always deliver on time and with quality. Unless you're in a role that demands flawless results, don't spend all your energy and time trying to achieve such perfection. Focus on being recognized as a productive professional, not as someone who never delivers on time.

You are capable.

Learn from Van Gogh, who said: “Paint. If you hear a voice within you saying that you cannot paint, then by all means paint. And that voice will be silenced.”

Nobody is perfect, and even the biggest names in any field tried many paths before finding what 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 de S.Paulo, actress Fernanda Montenegro, with over 60 years of career experience, said that "butterflies in the stomach happen every day when we go on stage."

How can you give a negative answer without seeming rude?

Think before you speak: assess the situation before deciding, so you don't give the impression of being a disengaged person. Consider all the variables before giving your answer.

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

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

Conclusion

If you maintain a work method where you prioritize team tasks, you understand the meaning of saying "no" to what isn't the best course of action at the moment, even if the people around you don't respect that.

People who act impulsively, without consulting or discussing with the group, take actions that diverge from what is necessary for the company. The relationship between professionals in a company is one of mutual need; after all, two heads are better than one. In this context, productivity needs to come first.

Employees need each other to grow together. Teamwork requires empathy, assertiveness, and knowing when to say "no" when necessary.

Saying 'no' to everything you're asked is a very extreme act. Sometimes, requests for help come along, and we really should grant them.

The power to learn to say "no" brings productivity and freedom, and the more we exercise this right, the more confident we feel.

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Nathalia Silva

Journalist, writer, and lover of words.

September 16, 2021