Management Tip of the Day: Say No to Extra Work

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 Say No to Extra Work If your boss continually piles work on your plate, even when it's not related to your goals, learn to say no. Pushing back can be tricky, so handle the request carefully: Don't commit right away. Resist the urge to say "Okay" or "No" immediately. Instead, ask about the project and request some time to think it through. Give a date when you'll get back to her. Prepare a response. Use your bought time to think about your answer. You want to present an alternative plan that will enable your boss to get what she wants. Go back to your boss. Explain how the added project might jeopardize your ability to get your other projects done and meet your goals. Propose the alternative and explain why you think it will work better. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the Harvard ManageMentor Online Module: Time Management. Buy the course to apply tools and techniques for managing your time » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Indispensable: When Leaders Really Matter HBR Press Book Will your next leader be insignificant — or indispensable? Harvard Business School professor Gautam Mukunda offers an enticingly fresh look at how and when individual leaders really can make a difference. Profiling a mix of historic and modern figures — from Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln to Winston Churchill and Judah Folkman — Indispensable reveals how, when, and where a single individual can save or destroy the organization they lead, and even change the course of history. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Build a Better Innovation Team Make a Critical Trade-Off Stop Checking Up on Your Employees Get Clear Direction from a Boss Who Is Vague Recognize Employees Who Step Up When Starting a Company, Get Your Values Right Ease Your Employees Into Change Don't Pursue a Doomed Idea Take Off Your Headphones See the Big Picture Before Making a Decision All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing HBR's Morning Advantage The Harvard Business Review Morning Advantage delivers the latest business ideas from beyond HBR.org directly to your inbox every morning — and it is free! Sign up today >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)