A New Chapter in Leadership: The Art of Saying “No”
Posted on June 22, 2024 by Yoka Zhu | PCC, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Behind the joy of a promotion lies the new challenge of management. As a newly promoted manager, my client faces fresh challenges in the workplace.
[Why Choose a Coach?]
Although there are countless instructional videos online, each person’s management style and personality are unique. My client understands that only the answers found within oneself are truly one’s own.
[Recreating the Scene]
She described the challenges she encountered during team meetings: to ensure clear communication, she would thoroughly explain the task’s background, purpose, and expected outcomes. However, colleagues would frequently raise objections, forcing her to “convince” them repeatedly. She used the word “convince” multiple times in our conversation. She felt exhausted, realizing that this persuasion was draining her energy and even felt like a waste of time.
[The Journey of Exploration]
I asked my client what she truly wanted. She hoped to be able to firmly say “no” when team members raised objections, guiding the team to move forward according to organizational goals. We delved deeply into this topic. My client has a strong logical mind, and such clients often need more guidance and deep exploration during conversations to build a vision. We took our time, slowing down her speech, allowing her to think and feel. During this process, she visualized her ideal scenario: a non-exhaustive, efficient team meeting.
[Immersive Experience]
I invited my client to immerse herself in that vision, to feel and perceive herself in that scenario. In this immersion, she naturally found her own answers and the action plan she would implement next.
[The Power of Presence]
As a coach, I am present with my client, sharing in her strength and celebrating her achievements in exploration.
[Conclusion]
Every manager will face moments when they need to say “no.” It is not just a skill but an art. Through in-depth coaching conversations and self-exploration, my client found her own answers, which will help her become more confident and resolute in her managerial role.
Join me in exploring a new chapter in leadership!
