Take a moment to understand the full scope of what’s being asked. Be honest about your capacity - transparency is key to maintain trust. Clearly define what you can and cannot do - manage expectations and prevent overcommitment. Suggest other ways you might be able to help - show you’re still willing to support them, even if not in the way initially asked.

Don’t lie! Seems obvious but well worth discussing in detail with your client. Don’t say yes at the outset either. You need to consider the favour and will get back to your contact. Confirm whether the favour actually is too big for you (just because it feels too big doesn’t mean it is). Ask your support structure for their opinion and listen. Then if it clearly is too big then communicate it to your contact as soon as is reasonable possible. Don’t procrastinate and leave off communication. Provide other alternatives if you have available. Be friendly, do not drag the conversation out. Short, apologetic, and to the point.

Auf die eigene Intuition hören. Wenn ich Bauchweh dabei habe, hat das einen Grund. Ich muss diesen nicht benennen können, es reicht wenn ich es anerkenne. Und dann eine Klare Entscheidung treffen Ja oder Nein und diese ehrlich kommunizieren.