10/23/2025

How to Let Employees Know It’s Okay to Say ‘No'

Bosses need the real answer, not the one employees think they want

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.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Inc.