“In order to get something you have never had, you have to be willing to do something you have never done. Sometimes that something is saying no. “

I have been attending lot of conferences over the past years where leaders are taught to say NO. One of the the key skills of any Product Owner is the skill or an ability to say No.

We all struggle at one or the other time to say ‘Yes’ to things we are not completely comfortable with. I have been there in the past, however I no longer do that anymore. I realize whenever I said ‘Yes’ to things where I had to say ‘No’ had always made me feel miserable.

Leaders need this skill more than anyone today. Saying “No” effectively without damaging relationships and feeling guilty is one of the key signs of successful leaders.

Here are few tips to say NO promptly and effectively!

1. KNOW YOUR WORTH.

It all begins with knowing yourself. It is to understand one’s emotions, abilities, desires and most importantly what you VALUE in life.

2. KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES!

Once we know who we are and our values, we know where to put our most energy effectively and prioritize things accordingly. This would also help clear path to make decisions more effectively.

3. HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

People who set boundaries are often misunderstood as being rude or ignorant. Being rude and ignorant are two different things. A person who is rude may not be ignorant and vice versa. Setting boundaries is the most important step in understanding how we Feel. Feeling miserable or too agreeable often tend to feel not meeting other’s expectations. Understand that your needs are just important as others.

4. LIFE IS TOO SHORT!

At the end, life is too short to be miserable. If something doesn’t feel right or good to you, speak up and politely say ‘No’ to things you are uncomfortable with.


5. BEING COMFORTABLE IS NOT A LUXURY, IT’S A NEED.

Being comfortable is often underestimated or not taken too seriously at times. Being comfortable with people, environment or in any relationship, is a NEED. We must feel Safe, Open and free to speak and feel comfortable in the existing vibes.


6. SAYING ‘NO’ IS A DECISION

Saying No is a decision. Period. We can say NO to anyone firmly, politely and with Respect. Have the courage to say it.