Why "No" Saves Time
A hesitant “no” is a silent “yes.”
When we don’t say “no” clearly, when we soften it, wrap it in detailed explanations, or leave the door ajar, we are not being polite. We are being disingenuous. We diminish the other person.
Because a vague “no” is often heard as a “maybe.” And a “maybe” is often pushed until it crumbles into a reluctant, resentful, victim-y “yes.”
I know; I have been there.
And in the meantime? Priorities get reluctantly reshuffled. Work gets resentfully delayed or half-done. Unclear responses don’t just waste energy, they waste time.
“No” is complete in itself.
Not: “no, sorry.”
Not: “no, but maybe later.”
Not: “no, I feel bad about this.”
Just “No.”
It feels unnatural at first. Confrontational. Even harsh. But if we say we believe in transparency, in authenticity, and in honouring our own boundaries, then a clear “no” is not unkind, it is essential. And respectful.
Say your “no” with clarity. With conviction. With the respect it deserves. With the respect the other person deserves.
Because a clear “no” doesn’t just protect your boundaries; it protects your time.
About the Author
Carmel Moore is an executive coach and co-founder of The One Moment Company. With a background as a Chartered Accountant and former Partner at EY, she brings three decades of experience advising global organisations. Carmel now specialises in helping leaders ease the burden of high-stress roles through time-smart leadership and purposeful transformation.
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