When in Doubt, Say No

There’s a small but powerful word that often gets underused by managers—one that was probably your favorite when you were two years old: “No.”

As a facilitator of communication courses, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly managers can get themselves into trouble by saying “yes” too fast. It’s understandable—no one likes to hear “no.” But here’s the truth: it’s far easier to turn a “no” into a “yes” than to backtrack on a premature “yes” and disappoint someone later.

Let me be clear: I’m not saying you should never say “yes.” Say “yes” when you’re confident you can follow through. But when you’re unsure, it’s better to pause and hit the “no” button. This approach helps build trust and credibility, especially when you later discover that you can say yes after all.

One of the key communication tools we teach in many of our leadership courses is learning how to navigate these moments—knowing when to commit and when to hold back. It’s a skill that can save you from unnecessary stress and help you lead with integrity.

So here’s a simple tip to remember:

When in doubt… say no. 

You might just find that “no” opens the door to a more thoughtful and confident “yes” down the road.