‘Yes’ And ‘No’

‘Every decision about yes and no really comes down to how you’re going to spend your time.’

‘No is how you protect yourself and others from making bad commitments, dedicating resources trying to do things that cannot be done (not possible), are not allowed (against the rules), or that on balance, should not be done ( a bad idea or not the next top priority).

‘Every good no makes room for a better yes.’

‘Yes is the beginning of a collaboration, the start of something.’

‘Every good yes is a chance to make the most of a good opportunity and serve others by adding value and building your real influence.’

‘Every good no – or not yet– makes room for a better opportunity.’

‘Every bad yes is a waste of time, energy, and money that will crowd out a better opportunity.’

‘Every bad no is a missed opportunity or a delayed ( and maybe soured) opportunity if the no gets overturned.’

‘Every yes is a commitment, and every commitment deserves to be taken seriously and honored with a good plan and focused execution.’

‘Plan the work so that you can work your plan.’

Source:

Bruce Tulgan (2020). The Art of Being Indispensable at Work: Win Influence Beat Overcommitment And Get The Right Things Done