How do you say 'No' to people without feeling guilty?

silverwhistle

I once worked as an occasional relief support worker, doing a number of regular shifts and cover occasionally.

If I were asked to cover shifts I was always definite when I needed (or wanted) to say no. "Sorry, I can't" - little or no explanation. One colleague told me how she admired me for this ability!

But I also said yes when I was able to, including to Saturday and overnight shifts. I'd make the decision very quickly, "Yes, I can do that", stick to it and have a grateful colleague.

That way no time was wasted with the elaborate pantomime of persuasion: both my noes and my yeses were valued.