How to Say No to Your Boss

You may think that you have no choice but to do what your boss tells you. This is where you are wrong. In many instances, you can say no to your boss in a polite manner and keep your job; here's how.

Instructions

1. Be prepared. If your boss asks you to take on another project, and you literally don't have the time to do the work on it, then prepare documents or lists that back up your claim when you say no to your boss.

2. Try honesty. When your other work, or this new assignment you boss wants you to tackle, would suffer because of your work load, just say no. It is better to be honest and straightforward and keep your job, than to lie and say you can handle all of it and lose your job for poor performance.

3. Admit your flaws. It is always okay to admit that you don't have the skills necessary to complete a task your boss has placed before you. Unless you have the time to acquire these skills and do the work, then be honest and say no.

4. Keep your eye on the goal. If you must say no in order to attend your sister's wedding or son's birthday party, then make that your priority and say no to your boss. You can't please everyone all the time, and your personal life needs to come first sometimes.

5. Respect your boss as you say no. It is important to remember that just because you are saying no to your boss that you don't have to be rude or dismissive. Explain that you would love to help out when you can, but now is just not the time.