3 Reasons "NO" is Best

How to run a business successfully rests on your ability to separate the wheat from the chaff. Now, most of us don't have a clue about pulling wheat apart, however, we all have an idea of what is and is not good communication. So, here is the skinny on what is important: it is separating the what, the when, and the how of communication.

The art of communication involves both active listening in business as well as the ability to tell the truth appropriately. And learning about the impact of the simple word "NO" we all loved by the time we were in the terrible twos as toddlers is key to success.

1. Show you are the boss: just like a good parent it is important to take a stand with your employees. The skills of a manager or leader include being "gravity" for your company. That means there are times that discussion is a waste of time and a "no" said with strong conviction will help people move onto the action of implementing the business program that needs to be completed.

2. Stop the office politics: Often employees want you to play favorites. It is a natural tendency left over from family dynamics. If you begin to show even the slightest interest in the gossip you will become part of the whispering down the lane game. Here is a tip. Just say "No" that you do not want to here the newest and latest tid-bit. Yet, if it keeps coming back through more than three people get HR or if you don't have an HR department, get a trusted manager to sniff out the problem. You need to stay above the fray.

3. Be the change you want to see: When you set the example by short sentences or a one word answer, people get clear about why they came to you and you save precious time. Most of us want to heard and understood and will spend our time explaining and defending our position. This gives lots of room to wedge in another point of view that can just muddy the waters. Often a direct and firm "No" is a great example of a business plan being kept on track. You become a model of efficiency.

So, please remember "No" is a complete sentence! It is a communication tool that can save time. It can save lots of upset and misunderstanding, as in "but you never said no".  It can be a pattern buster that will get your employees talking in short and appropriate ways.

Pleasers, martyrs, and super achievers, are among the personality types that have a hard time saying no. See what your pattern is by taking the pattern aware quiz at my website or reading "Don't Bring It to Work" for more clarity and  tips to becoming a clearer communicator.