For leaders, it is important to understand the differences between saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’. In another of these ‘Leadership Wisdom‘ pieces you will find help in understanding when to say ‘no’ rather than ‘yes’. In this article you will learn a little bit more about those occasions where it’s important to say ‘yes’ rather ‘no’.
For leaders, it is important to understand the differences between saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’. By saying them in the right places, you will leverage your role and build effective relationships with your people. In this article, you will learn a little bit more about those occasions where it’s important to say ‘yes’.
When you say ‘no’ to someone, it is for one of two reasons, either you are being very clear and direct about what is not agreed or acceptable and it is valuable to set that boundary, as mentioned in more detail here. When you say ‘no’ because you are showing off your superiority, you kill the relationship a little more. Every time. And that is not a good thing.
Saying ‘yes’ to those around you in most cases opens up the relationship. It shows you value them for their insights, ideas, contributions and offers of help (see more on this here).
When you say ‘yes’ to someone to engage with them, it builds their confidence, makes them feel valued and above all, builds the equality of the relationship. Even when you might be to their senior in any apparent hierarchy, you are giving them the space to partner with them.
There will be times, for what you believe is efficiency, where a ‘no’ will stop someone wasting your time. You will say ‘no’ to move them on and allow you to get on with whatever you are busy with (more on this later!). But the investment of a ‘yes’ when someone wants to engage with you (and sometimes offer help!) is such a valuable leadership tool.
Don’t miss the opportunity to use it more often.
To download the poster, backed by the article and 5 Steps to Saying Yes, click here.