20 ways to say No.

I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF SEVERAL PROJECTS

• let people know when you have accepted other responsibilities
• no need to make excuses if you don't have any free time
• no one will fault you for having already filled your plate

I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THAT

• you might be uncomfortable with any of a number of issues
• the people involved, the type of work, the morale implications, etc.
• this is a very respectful way to avoid a sticky situation

I AM NOT TAKING ON ANY NEW RESPONSIBILITIES

• you aren't saying that you will never help out again
• just that you feel your schedule is as full as you would like now
• understanding your limits is a talent to be expected

I AM NOT THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON FOR THE JOB

• if you don't feel that you have adequate skills, that's okay
• it's better to admit your limitations up front
• the best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed down the road

I DO NOT ENJOY THAT KIND OF WORK

• life isn't about drudgery -- if you don't enjoy it, why do it?
• don't be afraid to let someone know you just don't want to
• someone else is bound to enjoy the work you don't

I DO NOT HAVE ANY MORE ROOM IN MY CALENDAR

• be honest if your schedule is filled
• "filled" doesn't have to mean really filled
• know when you are scheduled as much as you are willing and stop

I HATE TO SPLIT MY ATTENTION AMONG PROJECTS

• let people know that you want to do a good job for them
• but you can't when your focus is too divided or splintered
• you will be more effective if you focus on one project at a time

I HAVE ANOTHER COMMITMENT

• it doesn't matter what the commitment is
• it can even simply be time to yourself or with friends or family
• you don't have to justify -- you simply aren't available

I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH THAT

• volunteering shouldn't mean learning an entirely new set of skills
• suggest that they find someone who has experience in that area
• offer to help out with something that you already know how to do

I KNOW YOU WILL DO A WONDERFUL JOB YOURSELF

• people often ask for help because they doubt their own abilities
• let them know that you have confidence they will succeed
• you are actually doing them a favor in the long run

I NEED TO FOCUS MORE ON MY PERSONAL LIFE

• don't be ashamed of wanting to spend time with your family
• having a strong family is an important priority in and of itself
• be willing to put your personal needs first

I NEED TO FOCUS ON MY CAREER RIGHT NOW

• often, you have to focus your energies on a work-related task
• you may have to give up some civic or community duties
• if you don't do it, someone else will take on the task

I NEED TO LEAVE SOME FREE TIME FOR MYSELF

• it's okay to be selfish -- in a good way!
• treat your personal time like any other appointment
• block off time in your calendar and guard it with your life

I WOULD RATHER DECLINE THAN DO A MEDIOCRE JOB

• know when you aren't going to be able to deliver a quality product
• the reason doesn't matter -- not enough time, wrong skills, etc.
• whatever the reason is enough for turning a request down

I WOULD RATHER HELP OUT WITH ANOTHER TASK

• saying no doesn't mean that you can't help at all
• if someone asks you to do something you really despise, refuse
• then offer to help with something you find more enjoyable

LET ME HOOK YOU UP WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN DO IT

• if you aren't available to help out, offer another qualified resource
• helping to connect people is a valuable service to offer
• make sure the person you refer will represent you well

NO

• sometimes it's okay to just say no!
• just say it in a way that expresses respect and courtesy
• leave the door open for good relations

NOT RIGHT NOW, BUT I CAN DO IT LATER

• if you really want to help but don't have time, say so
• offer to help at a later time or date
• if they can't wait for you, they'll find someone else

SOME THINGS HAVE COME UP THAT NEED MY ATTENTION

• unexpected things happen that throw your schedule off
• accept that you may need to make a few adjustments
• it is temporary and you will have more time when life stabilizes

THIS REALLY IS NOT MY STRONG SUIT

• it's okay to admit your limitations
• knowing what you can handle and what you can't is a skill
• your time will be more efficiently spent on something you do well

Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com