If you’re competent,
requests for your assistance
will expand exponentially.
Your time is precious and limited.
You have to say no.
But how?
We want to be liked, right?
Knowing how challenging
asking for help is,
we certainly don’t want
to be a bitch about it.
Michael Hyatt uses a simple formula
he lifted from Dr. Ury
The positive no
“This simple formula employs
a “Yes-No-Yes” response.
“In contrast to an ordinary No
which begins with a No
and ends with a No,
a positive No begins with a Yes
and ends with a Yes (p. 16).””
So when I get a request
to critique a story,
I’ll congratulate the writer
on finishing a story (a yes),
say unfortunately
I don’t have the time needed
to give a great critique (a no),
and I’ll suggest a
couple of critique groups
she can contact (a yes).
In other words,
take the time
to suggest another resource.
Say No
but say No nicely.