Anatomy of a Good "No": How to Say It Like a Pro
As I gear up to interview candidates for the 2025 cohort of my Mastermind, I'm rethinking the intake process.
Forget the standard Google form or Typeform. I'm collaborating with a brilliant young woman to develop a video game instead. In this game, players navigate by 'catching' and 'dodging' objects to level up.
She delivered the first draft, and I felt completely out of my depth—it was like stepping into a new world.
My first instinct was to say, "I can't play this" or "I don't like it."
But I knew there was a better way to communicate my thoughts and encourage revisions.
That's when I remembered Parade Magazine's list of 35 great ways to say no politely.
One phrase stood out: "Let's rethink this option."
The graphic below shows why it works:
Most people fumble these situations because they make it all about "Me! Me! Me!"
If you're struggling to say 'no' gracefully at work, I've created a free download with scripts to help you navigate these conversations with finesse.
Download it here and learn how to say 'no'—nicely.
https://lnkd.in/gcuh4My8
I'll be adding new scripts each week, so stay tuned!
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