The word No is sometimes viewed as a negative word. Whenever this word is used, it it denotes an end to a request. It is an answer to either a plea, inquiry, request, demand, suggestion, proposal etc. Many people who lack assertiveness cannot afford to say No without feeling guilty. For many years I was a Yes-Man. I could not afford to say no as inside myself was a desire to please everyone around me. I soon realized that it was a futile and endless chase to try and please everyone I met. Some were bound to leave me with their own presumptions, perceptions and conclusions even if I said yes. Therefore I made a decision that I was only going to say Yes if I meant it otherwise No was the alternative. I made a decision not to feel bad each time I said so. From that day, I have seen incredible power in responding with a No.
1. The Word No is SOLID, short and to the point. It does not waste people’s time wondering whether there has been partial or total acceptance or not.
2. The Word No is RESOLUTE. It does not have partiality in it.
3. This is a LIBERATING word – I know of many times I have said Yes and immediately regretted it when I had to fulfill my obligation.
4. The Word No creates OPPORTUNITY for others. You may not be the only respondent. By saying this word you are simply saying “Please consider others who may be interested”.
5. The Word No communicates INABILITY – Someone can say “No, I am not capable of repairing my own car” Many times people say Yes even with issues they have no clue about. When the expectations are then communicated, by then it is too late to turn back.
6. This word can be used to communicate a VALUE system – In instances where a request has been made and there is a feeling that the requested stuff goes against the set values, this word comes in handy.
7. This is a response to STOP someone from doing something. When you correct children and give them this word, they automatically know that the thing they are requesting can not and should not be done now. Any further attempt to do the thing without asking for permission is a violation that is normally followed with punishment.
8. No can be used to communicate UNAVAILABILITY of resource – When you go around looking for a specific item or resource, You may receive the answer “No, we don’t have it” many times before you finally find it. It is better to live your life knowing what is unavailable than to live in assumption of availability only to be found wanting.
9. The word No is a GENUINE and perfect response to indicate what cannot be done. Sometimes you receive half baked responses which live you wondering to what degree the answer is positive or negative. It communicates INCOMPATIBILITY.
10. No is used to deny PERMISSION for an application presented to an authority figure or second party.
Rabison Shumba is a writer, businessman and philanthropist. Writer of the book The Greatness Manual which you can preview on http://greatnessmanual.wordpress.com. Founder and CEO of Infotech Solutions and Greatness Factory Trust. Rabison speaks about success, leadership, motivation and inspiration. His trust works with disadvantaged school children supporting them with school fees and general livelihood. He also helps to network artists (musicians of all genres) to facilitate information sharing and building of future celebrities. Rabison is well traveled having been to Asia, America, United Kingdom and all over Africa. He is married to Jacqueline Edwards and they have two children. They reside in Harare, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa.
Article Source: 10 Things to Know About the Word NO
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I like this. No has always been a problem for me as well. And my excuse was always that I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I read recently that it’s not really other people’s feelings I was protecting, it was my own. This is tough to hear, but rings true for me. I keep this in mind at all times now when I’m presented with a situation that requires a yes or no answer. No is very liberating. And you’re absolutely right about people making their own assumptions whether you say yes, no or otherwise. Great article!
blogs like this are very helpfull thanks.