do you know how to say NO?
By chuyins123
@chuyins123 (2112)
Philippines
March 24, 2011 8:49am CST
from my previous job, I have audited transactions pertaining to cash that wouldn't be much of an attractive role for me. I have made a manager (custodian of cash) be suspended because I found out she's been using cash that should be for the company.
Now in my new job, I am glad I am not given the responsibility to handle cash. But, just recently it was turned over to me for a moment because of the sick leave of the custodian. I don't want it because I am really not so good at saying NO to those people asking favor. When someone would approach me and ask a favor to borrow some cash from the fund, I really don't know how to say NO.
Aaaah, if the boss would know I have lent some of the money from the fund I will be scolded, worse if I would be suspended.
How do you guys say NO if someone asks you a favor? Do you have the same problem with me? I just don't want it really. I can't say NO.
1 person likes this
18 responses
@macayadann (1235)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
It is not bad to say no most especially that your reputation is at stake.You are ruining the stability of yourself to that position you have in the company. You should not always give your trust to anybody. Are you sure that they are with you if found and revealed your transactions with them, well for sure they will leave you behind for they are afraid to lose their job.simply they will deny and you yourself will shoulder the sacrifice of losing your job because the company ends up in a decision that you are using their money without knowing.
1 person likes this
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
Yes, this is a good reminder to me. Thank you for helping me out here.
@macayadann (1235)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
yes,because just like you it is hard for me to say no until one experience that thought me a lesson. I defended myself against accusation but I was surprised that all friends who had witnessed my innocence did not stand beside me to testify.
@jacklintan (1302)
• Malaysia
25 Mar 11
hi chuyins123,
I have a few tricks to saying "NO" to co-workers. :D
Mr A: Jackie, can I borrow money from the company? I have no cash at the moment as I need to withdraw from the bank?
Jackie: Mr A, I would like to lend you some money BUTTTT (always emphasise ther BUT which helps to make the disapproval look more polite) I am sure the company will not allow workers to borrow money from company at the moment. Why not you try to borrow it from Miss B please?
I hope this helps!
Cheers
1 person likes this
@katie0 (5203)
• Japan
25 Mar 11
It's very difficult, you seem like a really nice guy. Try to think about you too, maybe you are thinking too much in be good to others, you deserve not doing something you don't like, not borrowing something that you are jealous for, just to cite some examples
1 person likes this
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
As of the moment I haven't had the nerve to refuse and say no. But now with the responses I have I guess I have to learn a lesson and say NO the next time around. Many thanks for the advise.
@didi13 (2926)
• Romania
25 Mar 11
Saying "no" is often difficult, because we think we're going to hurt or disappoint those who refuse. Most times though, I can only busy with our various "favors"and that the time to be felt in our personal lives. Think about that almost every person you know you can do at a time, a request. Whether it's a favor, a new task at work, a loan of money, when you say "yes" when, in fact, you want the heart to say no, you do harm to both you, and your party. To you, because you will be sorry later and this will become a source of stress for the person who you ask - because they feel offended when you will hear from a "yes" said grudgingly or when you find that your lack of interest prevented to give you maximum performance in what was done.
You can not please everyone. Even if the world around you has certain expectations of you, up to you to set some limits which will help you say "no" more easily. When we say "no", we think we put in danger the whole relationship. Moreover, people around us we try to induce guilt. If somebody does not like a "yes " will not make a big difference. Saying "yes" every time you do rather than increases the number of requests and favors addressed to you, because you only dial other image in the eyes of the man who solved them all.
"It can become extremely difficult to pronounce when circumstances put us smoothly. It is hard to reject your boss, for example, or best friend. Try to be honest, yet spares the feelings of others. Do not make excuses, reasons, stories to come out of a situation. Besides, at some point, things can emerge, you'll realize that every time you have to consume time and energy you devised some valid reasons. Truth may be the simplest way you can say "no. " A simple "Sorry, but no time"for example, would be effective.
A refusal should not come as a shot. Try to be kind and use a pleasant tone. There are people who will try to pressure you with their persistence. If you feel you are ready to give in, replace "yes" with the phrase "Let me think about me and take me with you now. " In this way you can get the time and you have time to think about the pros and cons of the situation. Refusing someone has nothing in common with being friendly. He says he does not allow the program, or, if you still want to keep possibilities open, when you mention that the proposal sounds interesting, just do not have time right now. Maybe next time you'll be free and will take the opportunity.
If you feel like hurting someone's feelings, explain when it's just you and your availability. In this way, when you give the other to realize that you are sincere and there is nothing personal.
Even though you have to refuse the boss, that does not mean you put your job in jeopardy as long as you care to make yourself understood. For example, if you have been handed a new project, but feel that you have no time and he then asked in detail all the duties involved, get into the discussion and what have you done today, making a comparison along . Explain, so you do not have much time to handle several things at once. Include tasks that clutter your bed sites affect the results. Thus, you will know and they could participate and you will not feel guilty when you say "no. "
1 person likes this
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
This is a very useful elaborate response for me my friend. You have illustrated a lot of instances where I have to say no. I couldn't express how much I am thankful for what you've shared. Thanks a bunch. God bless you! :)
@jeffreyallen (298)
• United States
24 Mar 11
You must be a generous kind person. I`m like that to a certain extent. When it comes to helping people, I can`t say no. When it comes to my family, I definitely cant say no. That goes without saying. Hmm, but in your case, if my boss or any higher up would get mad at me, or if there wa sa possibility to get fired, oh! and if it wasnt allowed to lend peope money, then they get the big "HELL NO". They should know the rules. I wouldnt jeopardize my job for them. You gotta look out for number one. Sorry to say.
1 person likes this
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
Yeah, it's really my weakness. And I guess I have to learn to say NO ASAP. Otherwise I will be messed up.
@batchoi1 (8)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
I hate to admit that I don't know how to say NO. I became hesitant to say it because I am the type of person that want to please everybody. And saying that word for me, won't do any help. Especially in work, you really can't say no. Why? Your boss will get mad and you won't have many friends as well.
1 person likes this
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
You are in the middle of a situation where you have to be tough. It's difficult because when you know you are crossing borders or limits of your boss, you surely are putting your self in the hotspot. And if you are not so nice with your friends, or your office mates, you will definitely have a very hostile environment. It's really a not so nice situation. But I have to deal with it.
@chiyosan (30183)
• Philippines
24 Mar 11
I'd be able to say know especially if people will be asking for the money that is not mine.
If it is my money that people would be borrowing... It will be hard for me to say no... Hehe
but if its work and i know i have a respo si ility and it could getme in trouble... For sure i will be able to say no and turn it down.
1 person likes this
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
24 Mar 11
Oh how I wish I have that boldness like you to refuse. I am really having a hard time saying NO. Anyway, thanks for the idea, I might be able to do it the next time around.
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
24 Mar 11
I am terrible at saying no to people. I owe all these charity places because they call and want my donations. And the thing is I tell them I need them to get donations for me since I am caring for my son who is disabled...they persist and because it's a worthy cause I can't find it in me to tell them no... I gotta get better than that!
1 person likes this
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
It's quite a tough job to say NO. but I'd rather try to be firm next time otherwise I will be suspended soon. :(
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
24 Mar 11
Sometimes saying the reason why you're blowing them off helps. Say "No" first then state why. It works for me.
1 person likes this
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
24 Mar 11
I might do it next time. I've just given off a few hours back. Yeah, maybe that would work for me too. Thanks.
@Liliac26 (557)
• Romania
24 Mar 11
I sometimes find it difficult to say no, but I'm working hard on becoming more assertive. I think the key is to consider the situation rationally and give your arguments to the person making the request. Just explain to them why you can't do it, so that they should have no reason to get angry with you. If they do get angry, it's their problem and not yours. But this is easier to say than do, I know that very well.
1 person likes this
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
Being assertive really is quite a habit and attitude to develop. It's not real easy to be such. But I too is working on it. My job is really on the line. :)
@sweetme329 (500)
• Australia
25 Mar 11
I was really bad at saying 'no' before but now i have built up confidence to be able to convince the other party for me saying 'no'. It is very important to learn the skill of saying 'no' because people might take advantage of you and you won't be able to do anything.
@sashakiddo (1102)
• United States
24 Mar 11
I have the same problem. When my friends ask me to go with them somewhere I can't say no even though I know I won't enjoy going. For some reason the only people I can say no to are my parents because they order me around so I know it won't make a difference if I say no. Strange, isn't it?
I guess when you have the option to say yes or no, you really have a lot of power in your hands.
1 person likes this
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
24 Mar 11
Yes, it's really strange. But I have to work out on saying NO otherwise I might blow off my job. I will end up the one to be blamed. :(
@Rapuncille (597)
• Philippines
24 Mar 11
i normally just say that "in as much as i would like to help you, i still won't be able to. it ain't my money so it's not proper for me to lend it to someone else without permission. i don't have the authority. i hope you understand and you won't take this against me."
1 person likes this
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
I don't know I am just afraid maybe of what they may say. But yes, I will have to learn to say know. thanks.
@Janexiao (173)
• China
25 Mar 11
i think you are a very helpful man. But you have to stick to your work rules, you are breaking the company law to lend money to your colleagues, the worst part is you may lost your job if your manager knows it, so when someone asks you to lend money again, say¨i am so sorry, i really want to help you,but i can´t, it´s not my money. or you can ask the manager´s permission¨
1 person likes this
@cream97 (29086)
• United States
24 Mar 11
Hi. chuyins123. I don't have a problem with saying, No. I have done so, so many of times to people. It does not matter to me what they feel after this. If I can't do something, I just can't. And if I feel like I will get into trouble, I won't do it either. I think that you are doing the right thing by not lending out any money. You know your weakness and you are smart for not trying to let your weakness get the best of you.
1 person likes this
@Fireheart (683)
• India
24 Mar 11
There are some cases in which you really cant say no since there is no reason for it, but as in your case this reason is sufficient to say no to others, if you help others you are to be scolded then why jumping into unnecessary trouble even you knew, and they should understand too, so saying no is easy for you there. People should understand if there is a no there will be a reason behind it for saying so.
1 person likes this
@maikokimberly (91)
• Philippines
25 Mar 11
Maybe sometimes YES. But it's when the situation has no choice but to choose NO.