When you have a lot on your plate and a manager or peer asks you to do more work, it can be challenging to figure out how to decline or defer the request, especially if you’re worried about facing potential fallout. If you agree to take on the extra work because you feel intimidated, but you can’t realistically manage it on top of your current tasks, you could end up in the even more challenging position of having to explain why you failed to deliver on your promises.
So, what can you say to gently but firmly push back on requests from managers or peers in a way that will allow you to manage your time without worrying about potential consequences?
Lori Harris is a member of the Forbes Coaching Council, and Managing Partner of Harris Whitesell Consulting.
