Skyrocket Workplace Productivity By Just Saying No

Your workplace productivity is hugely impacted by your inability to say NO in your personal and business life. As a result, your company may take a downward plunge. Begin to say NO and watch your productivity skyrocket.

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"Let Me Count The Ways" You Should Say NO


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So Why Can’t We Say NO?

When kids begin to speak, it’s common for one of their first words to be “NO.” Once the novelty and cuteness wears off, the mom and dad begin conditioning the child against using that word. As adults, we carry over what we’ve learned as kids into our adult lives. Being able to say no can be difficult to master.

Most people who can't say NO usually fear rejection, don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, or fear of making someone angry.

All of this can lead to depression and/or anxiety. Says, Dr. Paul, “Moving into personal power and emotional freedom means being willing to take the risk of others' uncaring or rejecting behavior and learning to manage the heartache of this, rather than continue to abandon yourself.”

Whether you are an entrepreneur, or part of a large company, the ability to say that tiny little word could be the difference between your success or failure in your productivity. Here are a few situations where you may be faced with this dilemma.​

Productivity in Your Personal Life

Yes Scenario

You are totally psyched about your first painting class that begins tonight. Your friend calls and asks you to babysit so she can go out on a date.

When you say YES, you will miss something you enjoy, and something for which you have been looking forward.  It also breaks trust with yourself.

No Scenario

If you say NO, you take back your power to stay true to yourself.  You choose the actions you want to do to make you happy.  You are able to enjoy your favorite hobby and establish boundaries.​

Productivity in Your Business Life - Workplace Solutions

Yes Scenario

You are employed by a small company. You have been doing your colleague’s work because she isn’t fond of the task. You say YES because you are afraid of not being liked. This goody-two-shoes deed goes on for six months, without your boss knowing. You begin to notice how the efficient routine that you’ve set up for your own tasks are no longer working.

As a result of doing  a lazy colleague's tasks, you begin to receive warnings from your boss about your inability to meet deadlines. Your colleague for whom you’ve been helping for the past six months just got recognized as employee of the month. The question you should ask yourself is, "Do I really have excess time to spend on these activities?"

​Yes Scenario

Your dream is to be a successful entrepreneur. You launch your business and your website is up and running. You’re signed up to every available social media channel. You are spending hours on social media trying to stay on top of all of it.

No Scenario

You say NO at the get go, but offer help when you feel it won’t affect your job responsibilities.

​Because you say NO, you are able to keep up with job responsibilities and keep your boss happy.

Say NO to all and any interruptions while you conduct business. It is sometimes difficult when you work from your home, but you have to set a schedule, set your priorities, focus, and stick to it.

No Scenario

Say NO to social media channels that don't attract your ideal clients.  Spending time on social media where your clients do gather doesn't move your business forward or increase your sales.

There are numerous other scenarios, but the point is you really need to learn that HUGE two-letter word! Stop being a “Yes-Person” in your personal and business life and you’ll be amazed to see how much more you can accomplish in your day.

Workplace efficiency is not achieved if you keep taking on work instead assigned to others or saying yes to every colleague’s or friend’s request. You sure don’t want to be on the hot seat with your clients for not meeting your deadlines or handling your commitments. If you want your business to succeed, you need to say NO to the items that aren't the highest and best use of your time and talents. Reach out to Gain Advantages when you are ready to say YES to the actions that help you reach your goals.

Get Help Today!

If you'd like help in achieving the highest level of productivity, reach out to Gain Advantages. We are sure to put you on the right track and help you achieve your goals.​


Nancy Gaines

Nancy Gaines is CEO/Founder of Gain Advantages Inc. and has been advising small businesses and Fortune 100 companies how to increase revenues through proven systems for almost two decades. She is a best-selling author and international keynote speaker. Nancy has been named in the Top 100 Productivity Experts to follow on Twitter and has a global podcast downloaded in over 95 countries. Her main focus is creating business processes with actionable steps so her clients achieve more consistency, ease, and ultimate success.