Lem Pora

After Saying "Yes," How to Say "No"

Consider this scenario: a colleague approaches you and asks if you would like to lead a new committee that they are forming. “Sure,” you say without bothering to consider. I'd be delighted!” In the future, you'll find emails building up in your inbox and a rush of events on your calendar. It dawns on you that you are overworked. You know you should say no after saying yes, but you're afraid to back out of the commitment after you've already said yes.