Learning to say no can literally set you free. A friend of mine typically responds to requests with, “However I can help.” As Athletic Trainers, we are in the service business, so we tend to say YES to everything.

I was asked recently, “Jeremy, would your coaches fight for you to stay employed here?”

I am trying to find ways to be helpful and to build relationships without taking on someone else's job responsibilities. I am learning to say no. But am I learning to say no gracefully?

About Dr. Kenneth Games

On his website, Kent Games describes himself as a breakthrough, leadership, and transformation coach. 

After nearly ten years working in healthcare and higher education, he decided to fulfill his vision and pursue a career helping others identify and fulfill their life's dreams, desires, and visions.

Learning to Say No

For many, leadership may imply the imposition to say yes. Yes to new tasks. Yes to new projects. Yes to more jobs and gigs. 

Last year we learned with the Dichotomy of Leadership that a hard line on one topic can cause you to burn the candle at both ends, resulting in burnout.

Tribe of Mentors – Tim Ferriss

A Tim Ferriss podcast highlighted the “no” responses to his invitation to participate in his book Tribe of Mentors.

Tim asked hundreds of entertainers, athletes, CEOs, speakers and guests what makes them tick. 

His “no” responses were so graciously worded, that he put them in the book anyway! It was a way to highlight how some power brokers eloquently decline invitations to projects.

John reads a couple of these responses throughout the podcast.

What are some practical steps?

Dr. Games discusses the importance of acknowledging the invitation and showing gratitude, as evidenced in his automatic email reply.

John Ciecko also discusses how he recently took his email app off his phone to allow him to be more present.

For John and Dr. Games, this contributes to a reduced feeling of anxiety because he is not constantly checking and waiting for something to pop up.

In the AT facility

“I can give you five minutes of my time right now. If you need more than that, you will need to come back in one hour (or when the practice rush is over).”

After hearing this, I discussed how we can implement it into our daily practice to better serve each athlete who trusts us with their care.

Why YOU should Learn To Say “No”

To give your attention and energy to the situations that deserve it.

If an opportunity does not line up with your “why” and your value system then gracefully say no.

Contact us:

Dr. Kent Games – Kenneth.Games@indstate.edu Twitter: @GamesKennethInstagram: @KentGames

John Ciecko – jciecko@bloomfield.org Twitter – @JohnCiecko

Jeremy Jackson

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