“Thank you for calling Social Tables. This is Kelly, how may I help you?”
Helping others has always come first for me. It’s not something I’ve ever given a second thought to; it’s just something I’ve always done.
Some of you may not know my history with Social Tables, so as a quick hint, I have worn many different hats. When I made the switch from Account Manager to Onboarding Specialist (that is what it was called for a hot second), this began my greatest journey!
To be completely honest, I was a little nervous making this switch. I had been working as an AM for a few months, and the thought of jumping into something entirely new shortly after starting at Social Tables was a little scary. I knew, though, that this was what was needed, and said: Of course!
(Where is she going with this?)
This role threw me in the unique position of getting to work with all our customers and form relationships with the incredible extended Social Tables family. What this also meant, though, was making sure I gave them whatever they wanted. In my mind, that means never saying no. I struggle immensely with that small, albeit powerful, word: no. When I think of using those words with a customer, I think of letting them down, of making them unhappy.
The big NO is also a word I’ve never dreamt of using with a colleague. This team is my family, so why on earth would I ever not help out? Not to mention, I get some serious #FOMO if I am not involved with something.
PAUSE. Why would you need to say no? What does all of this mean? I think the more important thing to highlight is what constantly saying yes has meant for me. I pride myself on being I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T (you know what I mean) and a hard worker, but I also need to remember what a chorus of “yes” becomes.
An immediate affirmation does not always give me the time to think if this is the most beneficial solution for all parties involved. Being too quick to please may cause extra work when the end result could’ve been reached by a more efficient work plan. I may also find myself in a situation where I’ve got a pile of YES staring me in the face when the task could have gone to someone else.
What should I do instead?
- Take a step back, breathe, and think: What is really being asked?
- Wonder: Does anyone else have greater capacity to better serve the customer?
- Brainstorm: Are there any alternative solutions?
- Think ahead: What is best for the bigger picture?
Saying no isn’t a weakness. In many ways, it is a strength — admitting and knowing what is best for yourself, for the company, and for the customer is most important.
