Category: Miscellaneous

27 May 2024 18:56

Joined:	20/04/2018
Level:	Gold
Points:	55757

Points:	5

Never say 'No'

A distant relative of mine, who has recently retired from one of the top FMCG companies in a very senior capacity, had a telephonic conversation with me a short while ago. He was talking about his highly demanding job, that had him posted abroad for a decade or so. One of the lessons he had learned from his boss, now based in the USA, was never to say 'No', that is, he had to face any number of challenges and his boss would not accept no for an answer.

He had learned the lesson the hard way. Cut to our own lives. We often give up. We do not learn anything new, more so, after we are 60 years old.

The lesson is a very useful one and can mean a lot to any of us at any point in time.

{Note to the author- The title has been changed since it was not connected to the content.}

#779624

27 May 2024 19:40

Joined:	02/06/2009
Level:	Diamond
Points:	145594

Points:	5

Irrespective of our age, we should not give up anything easily. We should work hard and smart and complete the work to our best satisfaction. If necessary we can take the help of some known people so that we can cross the hurdles. In my opinion no problem is not having any solution. The only issue is the importance you give to the issue.
One of my relatives was working in the organisation, I was working. One day he came to me and told me that he was having enough work but his boss was giving him more work. Then I told him, it was good for him. If the boss is giving more work to him means he is having confidence and faith in you. You should welcome and if you feel you are getting overloaded, you should not say that immediately to your boss but you can put forward your requirements to him so that he will consider them. He expected me to tell his boss but I never did it. After a few days he came and told me that he was given a promotion and an assistant was given to him to assist him in his work. So I agree that we should not say 'no' to our boss at any time.

drrao
always confident

#779628

27 May 2024 20:19

Joined:	25/11/2014
Level:	Diamond
Points:	43292

Points:	4

It is a great proverb inciting us to have a positive spirit and under no circumstances, we should flatly say no to any task assigned by our boss. Such a response would be taken seriously by higher-ups. We need to understand our boss why is putting us in a state of pressure when the boss has a comfortable strength of manpower.
Taking the impression of the Boss that he wants to harass me might be a wrong assessment. This needs to be sorted out with a frank discussion to arrive at the real cause. The more we are frank with our higher-ups, the more the mutual understanding of our relations.

#779633

28 May 2024 06:04

Joined:	10/12/2016
Level:	Diamond
Points:	109183

Points:	5

It is obvious that if we say no to our boss or management then first thing that comes in their mind is that we are shirking from our responsibilities and avoiding that proposition. No one will accept any rationale or logic behind our no if at all that is there.
I have seen people who first give a response of yes followed by a long discussion and gradually convince the boss that it was not feasible and then management itself says that ok let us not do like that. That is the correct way of telling no.

Anyway, this post is giving me an opportunity to share something like a case history in this context. For privacy reason I am changing the names to top boss and executive Ramesh heading a department.

In a meeting the top boss asked Ramesh whether we can award a contract to a reputed company whose credentials are well established and they are the numero one in providing that kind of job and though others also offering same service at half the rates but their quality suffered. Ramesh politely said that it could be done but necessary approvals from the top management as well as from the Govt, if required, are to be obtained before going ahead. The top boss was not very happy with that answer and asked Ramesh that what would happen if he gives permission and they go ahead. Ramesh again politely told that it would be gross violation of the procedures and if caught by audit and statutory authorities would be punishable. The persons who are the signatories to that propositions would be in trouble. The top boss got the point but told that let us take permissions from everywhere including the concerned ministry and proceed ahead.
Ramesh knew the things in great details and prepared all the documents according to the wish of the boss and went ahead with the project. Everything was done but when time for finalisation of award came some of the competitors simply made a complaint to the Govt about that and the project was scrapped immediately by the authorities. Because award was not made so no action was taken against the top boss or Ramesh.
After that incident, top boss called Ramesh and thanked him for the wise advice that he had given in the beginning itself.

Knowledge is power.

#779645

28 May 2024 13:53

Joined:	20/01/2017
Level:	Diamond
Points:	25422

Points:	5

Whether it is office or home anyone saying no is seen with a doubtful eye. From that 'no', one cannot infer whether the person is not willing to do that job or the task itself is impossible. A direct no is taken as offensive also at times. It is also considered uncourteous to do so.
Behavioural experts tell us that we should not answer in negative especially to a superior or influential person or a person in high place. The reason is that he is trying to see our worth and capability by asking that question or asking to do us some work. He will not like a negative response to that. In such cases we have to give a round about answer that we could do that if we get some support or help. Such answers are better than a straight no.
We must remember that a superior knows about the task more than us and if it is beyond our capability that also he knows. So by telling no we are exposing ourselves that yes we cannot do that.

Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

Never say 'No'

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