Saying No to a Small Request

Scene: It is Thursday afternoon. A colleague, Maya, asks you to review a ten-page report by nine tomorrow morning. You have your own report to close tonight. You want to say no without sounding rude. Three short steps will do it, and none of them take courage.

Maya: Could you review this report for me? I need it back by nine. You: I would like to help you. But I cannot take on ten pages tonight. My own report is on my plate, and it is due in the morning.

Maya: Oh. That is a problem for me. You: I can still do one thing. Send it now, and I will read the first three pages before six. For the rest, ask Daniel. He knows this client well, and he was free this week.

Maya: That works. Thanks for being straight with me. You: Ask me any time. Next week is much lighter, so send me the long ones then. I would rather read something properly than rush it at midnight. Maya: Deal. I will send the file now.

Three steps: say you want to help, give the clear no, then offer something smaller. Do not stop at I am too busy, because that sounds like you do not care. And never say maybe. You can turn down a small request today and keep the person on your side.