The other day I was thinking on just how much can I do and how much can each one on my team do. We have all been stretched over the last few years to do more with fewer personnel. Many times we overcome the challenges and we accomplish the goals, but that has been the exception, not the norm. I would venture to say that may be the case for you as well.
We tend to add responsibilities because:
- We can’t say no.
- We think it will look bad on us for the future.
- If we don’t do it, no one else will.
What happens most of the time is we end up taking our focus off what we do well. In doing so we cannot give our best to any single project- they all suffer. We may be able to pull them off, but at what cost to people and quality?
In order to better focus and give your best, we need to learn to say no to some requests. And in saying no:
- We align our priorities and meet deadlines.
- We give our best.
- We are honest with our employer and with ourselves.
As an employer, we should understand this and recognize that we may need to shift priorities as well. If I have a person who I want on this- I need to transfer their responsibilities in other projects away. This will allow them to say yes- and give their best.
As employees or leaders, when we learn to say no, we don’t risk being unemployed, we choose to not settle for mediocrity.
Larry,
How are you? Great blog. Very well said and so true!
Brad Graham
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