No Excuses Leadership

Sometimes Say "No"

When you think of the words “precious commodity”, what comes to mind?  Most might refer to the platinum on their wedding band or something else that holds great value.  But I wonder if the word “grace” would appear on anyone’s top five, or ten.  The older I get, the more I see “grace” as a commodity that is abundant but doled out as if it were not.  Today, it is all to precious in how we give it to others and receive it for ourselves.  In fact, even in a very self-centered world, it seems to be far easier to offer grace to our neighbors than it is to allow ourselves such leeway.  We say yes to everything no matter how physically or emotionally exhausted we may be.  We feel like our schools or our classrooms will cease to function without us if we’re gone for a day.  We are fueled by the phrase “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself”, yet resentful that we do just that. All of this adds up to the fact that sometimes it’s ok to say “no”. 

TAKE ACTION

The fact is, BOLD leaders work harder than anyone else. Therefore saying “no” to everything should never be used as a personal mission statement.  This is exactly why I used the word “sometimes”.  But BOLD leaders also know when they are tapped, exhausted, and in need of support.  They’re never so proud as to ignore another’s generous offer to help. In addition, they understand their limitations and become skilled at saying "no" to requests/demands that won't add value to the organizaiton.  In short, they are confident enough to stay true to their mission as leaders and also know when to take the precious commodity of grace that others are more than willing to give. 

BE BOLD

I came across this article long after I wrote this post.  I don't agree with everything about it, but I love the 8 strategies they offer for leaders to say "no". 

Saying "No": Eight Ways to Say it with Grace