How To Strengthen Your Decision Making with a Strategic “No”

I may be taking a bit of a leap here, but I argue for sometimes saying No. Yes, that’s right, turning something down. The important emphasis lies on “Strategic”. I will get into details on that a moment. First, let’s discuss why it’s ok to say no sometimes.

I think outside influences exert on us to say “no.” Perhaps we feel guilty turning someone down. We don’t want to potentially damage a client/business relationship. We don’t want to offend someone. All of those reasons hold some form of validity. In most cases, we should say “yes”. In fact Richard Branson famously said:

“If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you’re not sure if you can do it, say yes — then learn how to do it later”

That should inspire us all to say “yes” all the time. While I am a big fan of taking surprises, I have discovered this isn’t always true. Now, we define what a strategic no is.

Definition of Strategic No

Here is my definition: A strategic no is turning down a potential opportunity or ending a relationship, because it does not fit into your strategy, your planning, your value system, or selection criteria.

When To Use A Strategic No

Let’s take a business example.

As a non-charitable business, one of your goals is to make money. To make money, you need clients. I can understand in the beginning you may want to sign on all clients. It’s normal.

Now, as your business grows, or even as you go along, you may see that a particular client doesn’t fit well in your business. It doesn’t matter the reason, so long as you can identify it. In doing so, you can use this reasoning later on to turn down a potential client.

Better Decision Criteria

By using a strategic no, you set yourself up to make better decisions. When you identify the correct criteria, then you know straight away the opportunity is not a fit. You can discern better opportunities for yourself.

I want to highlight that a “usual no” is something which doesn’t involve an opportunity. It’s something which comes more in your daily life like whether you eat a hamburger or not.

Your ability to make the right decisions has an impact on your relatonships and your business. You should make decisions that only suit you and lie in your best interests. There is no point in rushing through your decision.

If I can leave you with one secret: be careful in your decisions by ensuring not to hesitate or rush. There is a fine line to consider.

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