There’s a cute family movie called “YES DAY”, starring Jennifer Garner.  After saying no all day long to their three children, the parents agree to say yes to anything their kids want to do (with a few sensible ground rules) and a wild day of thrills and chills unfolds.  A leader is very much like a mother or father, fielding requests, ideas, and well thought out proposals day in and day out. While those making the pitch are hoping for a yes the answer is often no, and for very good reasons.


“The art of leadership is saying no, not yes.  It is very easy to say yes.”

– Tony Blair

 

Imagine what would happen if “YES DAY” were practiced professionally.  Hmmmm, it would be easy at first and it might even put smiles on several faces.  That is until chaos surfaces, resources deplete, and people become disengaged.  Part of the leader’s role is to say no to good ideas.  Seems harsh doesn’t it, but it is the truth.  A leader needs to consider the options and weigh the risks.  They need to keep an eye on the vision, mission, and goals while keeping the business operating in the here and now.  In a nutshell, a leader needs to plan for the future while executing in the present which means saying no – even to good ideas – because there is a limited amount of projects, change, resources, and risks that a business can manage today if it is to be successful tomorrow.  

If you are a leader, I’m sure you can appreciate how draining this can be.  No one likes to be the ‘bad guy’ and no one wants to be the one to squash good ideas.  It’s part of the responsibility and it becomes even more challenging when there are well meaning, progressive thinking people behind those ideas. 

So what is a leader to do? 

A few things that can help include:

  • acknowledging the value of the idea presented;
  • appreciate creative, progressive thinking;
  • ask questions that might evoke other ideas;
  • share why the answer needs to be no;
  • make a connection to the balancing act of present and future; and 
  • express gratitude along with encouragement for idea sharing.

 

Being a leader is not easy work.  Not everyone will be happy with your decisions.  It is on you, however, to help others understand why you sometimes have to say no to good ideas.