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Activity

Strategic 'no' framework

Develop strategies for declining requests while maintaining relationships

Build a framework for saying no to requests that don't align with your priorities. This activity helps you protect your time while preserving important relationships.

40 minutes
practice

Overview

Build a framework for saying no to requests that don't align with your priorities. This activity helps you protect your time while preserving important relationships.

Learning objectives

  • Create decision criteria for requests
  • Develop polite decline templates
  • Practice boundary-setting conversations

Instructions

Create your 'no' framework:

1. Define your priority criteria 2. List common request types you receive 3. Create response templates for each 4. Practice delivering 'no' messages 5. Develop alternative solutions to offer

Steps

1

Priority definition

15 minutes

Clarify what deserves your yes

2

Template creation

15 minutes

Write polite decline messages

3

Practice delivery

10 minutes

Rehearse saying no effectively

Pro tips

  • Offer alternatives when declining
  • Be clear but compassionate
  • Don't over-explain your decision

Example outcome

A decision framework with 5 response templates for common request scenarios

Explore more resources

Check out the full stdlib collection for more frameworks, templates, and guides to accelerate your technical leadership journey.