The Art Of Saying no: How To Stand Your Ground, Reclaim Your Time And Energy, And Refuse To Be Taken For Granted

STRATEGY #6: ASK THE
REQUESTOR TO FOLLOW UP
LATER
T
his isn’t a stalling tactic. Rather, it’s a way to revisit a
request when you have more time to think about it. It also
allows you to put the onus on the requestor while gauging
the urgency of his or her request.
For example, let’s say a harried coworker bursts into
your office and exclaims, “I really need your help on this
project.” Because you’re busy with your own tasks, you’re
unable to accommodate him at that moment. But you might
be able to lend a hand later, after you’ve completed your
work.
To that end, you respond:
I don’t have time to help you
right now. But check in with me
after 4:00 p.m. Things will be
less crazy then.”
With this response, you eliminate all of the pressure
placed on you by the requestor. You’re able to address your
own responsibilities without having to think about whether
the request is something you want to take on. You can
revisit it later, and make your final decision, even if you
ultimately decide that you don’t want to help.

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It also conveys your willingness to at least consider his
or her request. You’re not rejecting him or her, or dismissing
the request outright. On the contrary, you’re showing that
you care, you’re interested, and may be willing to lend a
hand.
Note that you’re not obligating yourself to say yes when
the requestor follows up. You may want to emphasize this
fact, if only to temper his or her expectations.
Oftentimes, you’ll find taking this approach leads to one
of two outcomes. The first possible outcome is that the
requestor seeks help elsewhere. That’s great for everyone
involved. You’re able to continue working without
abandoning your own tasks. Meanwhile, the requestor
receives the assistance he or she needs in a more timely
manner.
The second possible outcome is that the requestor
decides to complete his or her project without help. The
individual realizes he or she possesses the necessary
expertise, and finds the confidence to move forward on his
or her own.
Of course, if the individual does follow up with you, you
can decide at that time whether saying yes is a good idea.
By then, you’ll have considered the request, and reflected
upon whether - and to what extent - lending a hand might
negatively impact your own goals.

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