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If you're one of those people who simply find it difficult to
say "no", then this article is for you. Declining an offer
graciously will allow you to never again get trapped into
serving on a committee on which you'd rather not serve, or
don't have the necessary time. Or having to say yes for any
other reason when you'd rather say no. Never confuse being "too
nice" with not taking care of yourself and your own personal
needs. To do so isn't necessary and it isn't healthy. However,
you can say no graciouisly, with class, and in a way that the
other person can't possibly be offended. -----------------------
Question: Glenda from Arizona writes, "I'm one of these people
who has no problem being nice. My problem is, I'm too nice. I
just can't seem to say no to someone who asks me to do
something, like taking on another project, without feeling as
though I'm offending them. I always say yes, and then I feel
awful about it afterwards. Is there a way to say no
graciously?" -----------------------
Declining An Offer Graciously
By Bob Burg
Glenda, you asked a question that plagues many of us. We hate
to disappoint people, even at the risk of our own mental health
:- ). Fortunately, there is a way to say no that everyone can
live with. I call this "Declining An offer Graciously."
When someone asks you to do something you don't want to do,
simply offer lavish appreciation just for their "thinking" of
you like that. For example, "I'm honored to even be thought of
in that way - that you would think enough of me to ask me to
head this committee. Unfortunately, right now, it wouldn't be
feasible for me to do that."
If they persist and ask, "Why not?" all you have to do is reply
with (with a sincere smile, of course). "I'd just rather not,
but thank you SO MUCH for considering me."
The person will understand that you're not going to accept the
position, but cannot possibly be offended because of your
gracious, humble, and appreciative attitude. Try this Glenda;
it absolutely works.
Bob Burg http:www.burg.com is author of Endless Referrals:
Network Your Everyday Contacts Into Sales, Winning Without
Intimidation and The Success Formula.
He has a full line of books, ebooks and CDs from which everyone
can grow and prosper. Check them out by going to
http:www.burg.com , then click on the
link to his online store.
Bob also publishes a free weekly ezine to which you can
subscribe going to http://www.burg.com/newsletter.html.
Burg Communications, Inc.
PO Box 7002
Jupiter, FL 33468-7002
(800) 726-3667
bob@burg.com
Copyright 1998 Burg Communications, Inc.
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