Ways to Say No to Your Supervisor

In my communication coaching, I usually get the question, “How do I say no to my supervisor?” Considering most people want to please their manager, this question may pose some challenges as people will need to do more than they can to get the job done. However, there are various reasons for and moments in which an employee may have to say “no.” There are many key ways I coach my clients to say “no” to their supervisor.

1. Provide a valid and logical reason and explain it to your supervisor.

State the facts and let your supervisor realize, by themselves, that their request is not currently feasible.

For example, you could say: “I understand that the new employee requires mentoring, and I would love to be the one to help them, but I estimate that the Johnson account will take up to 35 hours this week, therefore I am afraid I do not have spare time.”

Here, you clearly state the fact, the desire, and the reason for the “no.”

2. Express your gratitude.

If you show your appreciation, despite saying “no,” it helps your supervisor better receive your refusal.

For example, you could say: “It’s an absolute honor that you thought of me for this file, and I am very grateful. However, I’m afraid that given my busy workload over the next few weeks, one of my colleagues would be better equipped to handle it at this time.”

Here you make it clear that you’re appreciative of the offer and you reject it with humility.

3. Empathize with your managers.

Regardless of your reason for refusal, it’s important to acknowledge the fact that your supervisor also has a need that needs to be resolved.

For example, you could say: “I understand that the task you are giving me is very important, both for the client and our organization, but I am afraid I will not have enough time over the next few weeks to do a great job. I feel like the task deserves much better attention than I will be able to offer currently.”

Here you make it clear that you understand how important this task is to your supervisor regardless of your refusal.

4. Be direct.

If you feel like you’re completely justified in refusing your supervisor’s request, you should simply be straightforward.

For example, you could say: “I’m sorry, but I can’t come into the office on Saturday morning because I need to attend my son’s football match. It’s the finals.”

In this case, you can also soften it by offering an alternative solution, which is an open way of saying “no.”

It’s important to remember that with every “yes” there is a “no,” so when you say “no” to something think about what you’re opening the door to. Ask yourself, “what is my yes?” Many of my clients struggle with saying “no,” not only with their supervisors but with their peers as well. The trick is to understand your priorities, line up your priorities, and figure out what you need to say “no” to, to be able to do your job to the best of your ability.