How to Say No to Your Boss Without Repercussions

Sometimes you must say "No," whether it’s a moral issue or a task that is too demanding to allow you to do it well. Here is the way to approach saying "No" to your boss without getting reprimanded or fired.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Backbone
• Levelheadedness
• Drive

1. Find the right location and time to talk to him. Never, ever argue with your supervisor in front of anyone. Do not question them about the task you are planning to refuse while you are in the presence of any other people. This will create a face-saving conflict for him if you question his authority or judgment publicly.

2. Be calm, tactful and prepared with your explanation as to why you are unable to perform the task or function at this time. Explain in a normal speaking voice that as much as you respect her, and her authority, you are unable to complete the requested task.

3. Give him an opportunity to respond and to vent as needed. You will gain inside information about why you were asked to do the task, what kind of motivation was involved in his assignment of the task to you and any internal politics that are relevant.

4. Offer an alternative solution to how he can get the task completed by assigning others or a team to complete it or by working with him to prepare him to refuse to take on the task with his superiors. This is unlikely to occur, but if the task presents a moral dilemma, many companies now have codes of ethics that would allow you to refuse to do something, such as lying to a customer or investor, and will protect you from any reprimand.

5. 

   Reason with your supervisor. Explain in detail why you are in the predicament of refusing to complete the task and ask for reprieve. If she continues to require your participation, you can chose to do it under protest or to continue to refuse. In any event, document the situation, circumstances and any action taken against you for future reference.

6. If you refuse to do something because of workload demands, you need to carefully document why the request is unreasonable. If your manager threatens to take action against you, seek out your human resources representative and ask them to mediate the situation. This is also a last resort tactic as it will create a rift between you and your boss.

7. If you are reprimanded or fired for refusing to do something on moral grounds, seek assistance from your state’s Department of Labor. You can file a complaint and rectify the matter or, as needed, obtain an attorney to intercede on your behalf. This is not a desired outcome, but you have this as a last resort action.

8. In some states, you can be fired for any reason--that is not on a list of illegal discriminations--or no reason, if the state is an “at will” state. However, issues involving ethical disputes are most often settled out of court. Hopefully, you will never get to this situation, but sometimes legal counsel can be the best recourse.

Tips & Warnings

• Be calm and remove the emotion from your mind and voice.
• Do not back your supervisor into a corner. Give him a chance to make the situation right.

[xrayness]

on 6/8/2009 Yes, I agree that these tips are helpful. As a supervisor, I am willing to revisit my decisions if the employee presents a professional and reasonable alternative. Your contribution helps to make eHow a force on the internet. Please write more articles.