Much has been written about the importance of open, effective communication, but often "saying no"  isn't a focus in the articles and lists of communication tips. I just read an article at ProjectConnections with a telling title: The Hardest Word in the Project Management Vocabulary. Now, One may be the loneliest number but "no" has got to be the loneliest word in the in project management - we just don't use it enough, even when it's perfectly appropriate! How do get better at it? Check out the intro to Carl Pritchard's article below and learn how to Just Say No!

For project managers, "no" is often the toughest word in the English language to deploy. We often prefer the classic PM strategy of "Yes, but..." as the softer, kinder, gentler alternative. "No" sounds harsh. Uncooperative. It sounds reticent and recalcitrant. It sounds negative. And yet, for many of us, the time has come as professionals to set "yes, but..." aside and venture into the world of "no."

I say this because I note that with increasing frequency, clients are not taking "yes, but..." as an answer. No sooner do we offer a "yes-we-can-do-that, but-it-costs-you-another-million" response that the customer hears only the first half of the equation. They often seem far more interested in capability than cost. As a result, when we come to the table with the costs for their ventures, they balk.

One of my clients recently asked for a much higher level of review and a much higher degree of involvement in my consulting work than that to which I have become accustomed through the years. I agreed to a single review, but during that review, it became very clear that this was not to be a one-time event. They wanted more and more involvement in the work I have historically done to great accolades. And so, at the end of the first conference call, I tried a "yes, but.." approach.

Read more here: http://blog.projectconnections.com/carl_pritchard/2008/05/the-hardest-wor.html

You'll need to read the complete article to get the whole story, but it's a good piece on the importance of learning to say NO tactfully and guilt-free. There is a lot of good info in the blogosphere on "how to say no" or "learning to say no" and each piece offers it's own insights, perspective and unique tips. Here are a few great resources to help you learn how to Just Say No:

• Saying ‘no’
• 20 Ways To Say No
• How to Say No Respectfully
• 17 ways to say "no, Growth & Leadership
• 7 Ways To Say No Without Feeling Guilty

Posted by Raven Young at Raven's Brain under Project Management
Technorati tags: Project Management, Project Communication, Effective Communication, Project Management Blog, How To Say No