Should You Say “No” to a Leadership Opportunity?
A number of years ago, shortly after taking a position in a new organization, I was asked to take on oversight of a major project.
I was honored to be asked. What an opportunity to show my new boss the value I could bring to the organization.
After careful consideration, I declined the opportunity.
Yes, I was concerned about my reputation. Yes, I wondered how my boss would handle her disappointment. I also wondered, if not me, then who? This was a small, lean organization.
So what brought me to the decision to say no?
First, I considered the scope and gravity of the assignment. This was a complex in-house software development project. I’d never led such a project and knew that I’d have a steep learning curve. In addition, the project had a non-negotiable completion deadline and no back-up plan. The software had to be operational by a certain date for the organization to fulfill its mission.
Next, I weighed the other responsibilities on my plate. I was leading three operational functions and still adjusting to this new role. I also knew some upcoming staffing changes were going to bring new challenges.
Finally, I evaluated my own capabilities. It’s possible I could have immersed myself in the project and made it work. When I’m in, I’m all in. The question was – at what cost? What cost to the quality of my other work? To the rest of the project team as I got up to speed? To my health, as the pressure increased to complete the project by the deadline?
But, I didn’t just say no.
I sought recommendations for someone to fill the role. I partnered with my boss to help solve her problem. She took my recommendation and the project was successfully rolled out. After the roll out, my boss expressed her respect for me because I had said “no”. I couldn’t have been more pleased.
Next time you’re asked to take on a leadership role and you’re not sure what to do, ask yourself these questions:
What am I being asked to do? If you don’t know, find out.
How will the other roles I fill be impacted if I take on this role?
What’s the cost to me, and to others, if I take on this role?
If I say no, how can I help fill the role or solve the problem?
If you’re facing a leadership challenge, let me partner with you to create a successful plan. Contact me at gayle@total-life-leadership.com
