Inc.com columnist Alison Green answers questions about workplace and management issues—everything from how to deal with a micromanaging boss to how to talk to someone on your team about body odor.
A reader asks: I manage some junior team members who are right out of college. One thing I have noticed is that they have a hard time saying no when I ask request something from them — as in, “Can this be done today?” or “Do you think this is a good idea?” I’ve made a career of being able to tell clients hard news, I really don’t mind hearing "no."
I don't want them to overwork themselves because of what they perceive I need done, or do work that will send us over-budget. Sometimes, I need to be able to have a quick conversation about these things and just get a clear "no" from them if that's the realistic answer.
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