How do you decline a request and manage the expectations of your Project Manager? 🤔
See below for an excellent example.
For context: I run the #samaritans training for new volunteers for my branch, and we have an upcoming Annual General Meeting where we are inviting our new vols along. However, this event clashes with the skills practice that usually follows their morning training.
Let’s say that your PM has asked you to do something for them and you want to say ‘No’ because you do not have any bandwidth or you have other work that has a higher priority.
If you have to decline, do so tactfully, and make sure your message is as complete as possible.
Let me break it down for you.
1. Thank you for the invite.
– Start with a polite thank you. We are British. And we are unfailingly polite! 😁
2. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the AGM in person in the afternoon of June 17 as I will be out of town that day.
– Tell them your ‘no’ politely and provide a reason. Providing the reason is important especially in a professional context for your project manager. (My controversial opinion is that you are not obligated to do one in a non-worky setting).
3. However, I am able to join the training in the morning since it is by zoom.
– Confirm that your ‘no’ to this request does not affect all your other obligations.
4. I understand the WhatsApp skills practice session for that training is to be arranged so no specific times confirmed yet.
– Reiterate that you understand the circumstances of other areas that has yet to be determined, which confirms to the Project Manager that you are waiting for further details.
5. Thanks again for the invite and I hope you all have a great time at the AGM.
– Finish the email with a polite thank you, because we are British! 😆
There you go.
Now you have a template for #SayingNo in a professional context.
#ManagingExpectations is a skill that will help you go far.
