February 4th, 2010 
Maria Helm 
Shameless procrastination. Reluctantly saying yes. Complaining relentlessly. Feeling like a martyr. You go through all that, when a two-letter word could have set you free from obligation: “No.” Darn it, I can’t. Sorry, no. Love to, but no, can’t do it this time. That’s what your inner bobblehead was screaming as your mouth said, “Yes, I’d love to host this year’s Superbowl party.”
Thinking you are a bad person for saying no is a symptom of “the disease to please.” Do the right thing – for yourself and others – by opting out. Don’t feel guilty.
Saying No, Step-by-Step
- Dodge first, then digest. Never answer in the moment. Try “Let me get back to you.” This gives you time to weigh your options and compose yourself before answering.
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Electronic mail. Who doesn’t love it? It’s quick, efficient and –let’s be honest — allows us to be somewhat removed from the person on the other end. But that doesn’t mean you throw professional courtesy and etiquette out the window when using e-mail to communicate with those around you. In fact, you should pay close attention to your e-mail habits and determine that you are sending the right message with each click of the mouse. Read on for a few tips on how to keep your e-mail goofs to a minimum:
Everyone likes to hear the words “thank you” once in a while. But in our fast-paced, super-connected world, handwritten notes of thanks are in danger of becoming a thing of the past. So don’t let your busy lifestyle get in the way of good manners. Thank-you notes don’t have to be a burden. They can be fun. Thank-you notes are an age-old way of keeping communication amongst business colleagues, customers, friends and family open. Here are some tips on how to say thanks quickly and creatively:
If you are to make a list of the country’s most influential people, who would you include? For sure, President Obama would make that list. So would Warren Buffett and perhaps Steve Jobs. You could argue that Sarah Palin to be on it depending on whether you’re a fan or not. Now there’s one name that you may or may not have considered: Oprah Winfrey.
