1 It's all about assertiveness?

As I can understand, the main sence of this article is somehow similar to the meaning of assertiveness .

posted at 10:27 am on August 3, 2010 by scriptin

2 Thanks for the "No-how"

I hope you liked my title.

It’s a very well written article. I agree and understand where a lot of the opinions are coming from. I think I work in an environment where “no” is totally discouraged and the corporate mentality over rules any creative input. It’s sad but that’s job security for you. I think a lot of it has to do with people hearing “Yes mam and yes sir” so much they forget how to respond to “no.” However, I do use “no” a lot on my freelance work (after hours). It feels good.

I especially liked the bullets: “Present the facts and let the other draw their own conclusions.” and “As you close one door, open another.” I try to have a solution for anything I turn down or disagree with to keep things moving. Presenting the facts is a huge part of that.

Thank you for the article, I enjoyed it and I’m glad someone out there has the power to use the word a lot.

posted at 10:30 am on August 3, 2010 by Cracker Jack

3 "No," is an acceptable answer.

I’m an in-house designer, so my surroundings are a bit more corporate than freelancers or agencies. However, from my very first interview I was told that “‘No,’ is an acceptable answer.’” This has stuck with me, and it’s very evident here that those who live by that and respond positively to that move up and grow within the company.

Great principle to live by, and some very solid fundamentals for applying to achieve positive results. Thanks Whitney!

posted at 11:56 am on August 3, 2010 by Bryan Rees

4 Excellent topic. Useful Ideas.

This is an important topic, Not only for successful project management but career management as well.

As “designers,” we tend to focus on problems and solutions while ignoring the problem of selling our solutions. This often happens within the minefield of corporate politics. As communication experts, it’s important to craft an effective, personable style that transcends politics. Always be prepared to make your case with logic, data and precedent. Delivered with sincerity, conviction sells.

I routinely practice many of these strategies – pricing myself out, leading others to their own conclusion, etc. – Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but more often than not it leads to successful projects and relationships that will enhance your career.

Great topic. Great article. Thanks – db

posted at 12:33 pm on August 3, 2010 by dwntgrnd

5 Nay sayer

Thank you for this article. I’ve recently come into my own in saying ‘no’ – forced to learn by client situations.

I think it is as valuable to give yourself permission to say no as much as anything else. If you can remove yourself from the pressure and dependency that you talked about, it allows decision making, and ultimately the work you do, to be much better.

Doing excellent things often requires a ‘no’ to less excellent things.

Thanks again.

posted at 04:34 pm on August 3, 2010 by David Vosburg

6 Nay sayer

Thank you for this article. I’ve recently come into my own in saying ‘no’ – forced to learn by client situations.

I think it is as valuable to give yourself permission to say no as much as anything else. If you can remove yourself from the pressure and dependency that you talked about, it allows decision making, and ultimately the work you do, to be much better.

Doing excellent things often requires a ‘no’ to less excellent things.

Thanks again.

posted at 04:34 pm on August 3, 2010 by David Vosburg

7 Deep thinking

Great article, really like the bit about not treating people as dumb just becuase they dont understand you.

You might want to read “How to lose friends and infuriate people”

posted at 10:07 pm on August 3, 2010 by NickV

8 Saying NO takes practice

Excellent article. After many years in the design field I have learnt to say no, because I want to provide the best solution (which may not always be what the client asked for). The client will always thank you in the end, but it does mean you have to have the courage of your conviction. That takes experience.

It’s as much about questioning assumptions as anything else. I like the quote about listening and speaking in proportion. You have to listen, ask questions, and be open minded. Reminds me of another favourite quote: “The mind is like a parachute. It only functions when it’s open”.

posted at 11:48 pm on August 3, 2010 by cazazz

9 Reflection of my way of saying 'No'

If I were to write the article myself, I would probably not have put it this nicely, though I share the exact same thoughts. Great job. Thanks for this.

Ravi Balla

posted at 12:07 am on August 4, 2010 by raviballa

10 saying 'no' will save you time and keep your stand

I’ve had quite a number of time-wasting enquiries recently. I think the economic downturn has driven a few hopeless cases into thinking they can launch any old business idea and make a fortune! These people often come in wanting something that is either going to end up costing me money in wasted time or drag down the standards of the work we output.

Luckily, I can tell these a mile off now and often employ the high pricing model (so at least if they do say yes then it will be worth it!), or bashing out a fast outline quote to get a sense if they are interested first. Better that, than wasting hours on a full blown proposal only for them to drop off the face of the earth.

posted at 07:19 am on August 4, 2010 by Design Agency Leeds