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How to Say No to Your Boss
Podcast

How to Say No to Your Boss

Ask a Manager podcast

Alison Green
Ask a Manager, 2019
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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Well Structured
  • Concrete Examples
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

There’s a stigma to saying no at work. Employees fear portrayal as a “prima donna” or “not a team player.” They may be afraid that their bosses will overlook them for future projects and promotions – or that it will produce resentment. Yet, turning down your supervisor’s request can actually result in a solution that works well for everyone. Look to consultant and Ask a Manager founder Alison Green for workable ways to say no to your boss.

Take-Aways

  • Saying no to your boss doesn’t have to be adversarial. Being selective about your battles and framing your rejection in a direct but collaborative way are critical tactics.
  • Politely decline by explaining the context for your reservations about a task, and offer an alternative solution.
  • Bosses who lead teams don’t want good workers to become unhappy, but they don’t always understand the full context around task allocation. 

About the Podcast

Alison Green is a consultant and founder of a popular career blog that evolved into columns for Slate and New York, as well as a book. For her Ask a Manager podcast — a partnership with HowStuffWorks — she takes calls and helps listeners deal with their work predicaments. 

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