Overwhelmed? You’re the problem. You don’t know how to say no.

When you don’t know how to say no, you are putting yourself at risk of burnout. Burnout causes loss of focus, lower productivity, and a higher turnover rate.

During your work day, you will be presented with different tasks and requests from superiors and team members, but you must remember you don’t have the time to complete them all. When a task is presented to you, it is in the best interest of you and the company to take a moment to gather the data of the request.

You mustn’t forget that each request has a price associated with it. When you present the data of the request to your boss they may not be aware of the cost/man hours it will take to complete the requested project. If the task is important enough to your boss then the cost associated with the task will not matter, but often times the cost may offer second thoughts.

In business, everything that is asked of you is not of importance. Sometimes things are asked of you because of emotional reasons and the impact of others is not considered. When you stand your ground and provide solid data, you will gain the respect of your colleagues. You will also notice that the requests will decrease, and turnover in the department will decrease as well.

By approaching your boss with the correct cost and time in dollars, you will find that you will not have to tell them you are overwhelmed or need more manpower or are burnt out. It is important that you still let your boss be in control of the situation and make the final decision.

Don’t be afraid to express yourself. If you need to say no, say no and back it up with the impact on the cost. Often times, your boss does not know how their request will impact the company finances and the staff. Sometimes silence can be the best response when your boss begins to push back. When you stick with the facts such as the: business case, the cost, and the impact on other projects instead of reacting to emotions you are more likely to make a solid case.

Don’t forget, when you say yes to something you are saying no to something else, and your customer service and product quality may be greatly affected.

Do you need more help becoming a difference maker in your organization? I’m the trusted business advisor, executive coach, career guide, and leadership consultant you’ve been looking for. I’m here to listen to you and help find solutions to your frustrations. Please contact me today at 858-692-0438 to learn how I can help you!