What to Say When the Boss Says No

Sometimes the boss says no. Sometimes they shouldn’t. But, no isn’t always the right answer, and you can push back. Judy Galbraith and Jim Delisle compiled a list of ideas of how gifted teens can respond to teachers in their book The Gifted Teen Survival Guide, and they apply surprisingly well in the business world. Granted, you’re not students and your bosses aren’t your teachers, but the relationship can be surprisingly similar.

So, here’s what you can say when your boss says no.

I can’t make an exception for you.

Advice for teens: “That’s okay with me, since I think there are a number of students who might benefit from being allowed to…”

To keep reading, click here: What to Say When the Boss Says No

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2 thoughts on “What to Say When the Boss Says No

  1. Sometimes it’s better to seek forgiveness than permission. That is, if you’re confident in your idea, consider not first asking if you can try it. Instead, just try it, and if it works out, great. If it doesn’t work out, apologize and seek forgiveness (if both are even necessary). In an ideal, non-micro-managed, situation, employees are able to show initiative, problem solve, try out new ideas, etc., without always needing prior permission.

  2. So ask your boss for some additional feedback about why your idea didn’t work as is explicitly tell your supervisor that you’re going to take that information back to the drawing board and come up with something even better.

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