Focus is finding a big “YES” and saying “no” a thousand times.
Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m learning to say, ‘No’.” They haven’t found their big “YES.”
10 reasons leaders can’t say no:
- Unfocused values.
- Lack of courage.
- False belief that saying “yes” is nice.
- Societies expectations that women should be compliant.
- Fearful board members who play politics not business.
- Out of control desire to be helpful.
- Fear of missing opportunities.
- Need to please.
- False belief we can have it all.
- Love of money, power, and prestige.
Bonus: Leaders can’t say “no” if they don’t have a big “YES.”
Finding “YES”:
I asked John Bell if “yes” comes before “no.” He said, “Yes.”
The easiest way to find your big “YES” is trying things. You won’t find your “YES” sitting under a tree contemplating the meaning of your naval. Go do stuff!
Allow your big “YES” to find you while you’re busy. Start rejecting less meaningful activities. John Bell, wrote a book titled, “Do Less Better,” to enable business leaders to cut through complexity and find competitive advantage.
Find a big “YES” before saying “no.”
Warning:
Every big “YES” includes doing things you don’t like.
I love meeting and learning from interesting people. Additionally, giving a presentation energizes me. I joke that I’m my own favorite speaker. But, I’m not so keen on getting on commercial airplanes.
Tip:
Talk more about “YES” than “no.” Stop talking about what you aren’t doing. “Not doing” only works if you’re engaged in meaningful activity.
After “YES”:
John suggests three key activities after finding your big “YES.”
- Be strategically stubborn. Figure out how to make your “YES” happen.
- Stay passionate about specialization. Let others climb their mountain. You climb yours.
- Limit innovation to your specialization. Don’t chase every good idea.
How might leaders learn to say “no?”
What advice do you have for finding a big “YES?”
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John R. Bell, the author of Do Less Better: The Power of Strategic Sacrifice in a Complex World, is a retired consumer packaged goods CEO and a global strategy consultant to some of the world’s most respected blue-chip organizations. He can be reached at www.dolessbetter.ca or www.ceoafterlife.com.
Follow John on twitter: @JohnRichardBell