Saying No

Sometimes, I say yes when I should say no - and I say no when I should say yes.

In Seth Godin's Linchpin, he describes two possible reasons for respones when asked for something.

There are those who never say no.  They say yes and they find a way to get it done.  These people are problem solvers, trouble shooters.  They see issues as opportunities to change things, to make someone else happy.  This is the gift they can give the world.

There are also Linchpins who say no all the time.  They say no because they are so focused on their goals, their purpose, that anything outside of that is easy to say no to.

Of course, there are responses that Godin doesn't describe (ones that he would not consider Linchpin responses).

One such response is to say no all the time for the wrong reasons - lack of motivation, laziness, etc.

Another possible response is to say yes all the time and not follow through, becoming overwhelmed and failing responsibilities.

The most balanced response, I suggest, is to say yes within areas of priority and talent.  Say yes to solving the right problems, to delivering the most good; and say no to what doesn't fit.

The best each of us can do is to mean what we say, and say it for the right reasons.  When saying yes, mean it; when saying no, mean it.  Prioritize and commit to what matters and do it well.

~Bethany

PS: This is part of a series of blogs about Seth Godin's Linchpin that I'm doing in conjunction with a Twitter-friend, Chett.  Check our her blog for more insights!