Saying No
In 2022, a group of female scientists decided to say no 100 times in a year to any non-work related requests. This work is what they call NPTs, non-promotable tasks. While this work is important, it brings no reward or recognition. Furthermore, they are not tied to the ethos of an organisation, they are invisible and do not require special skills. Studies show that regardless of occupation, women take on more NPTs than men and that the average female consultant spent 200 hours more each year doing non-promotable work.
In a series of experiments, women ‘take one for the team’ 48% more than their male counterpart, they are 44% more likely to be asked directly to do a task and 49% more likely to say yes.
I have recently learnt the importance of saying no, however I used to be a ‘yes’ girlie. I am a people pleaser and I don’t like to let people down. I quickly found myself as a class rep for multiple children, volunteering for numerous community events, saying yes to every coffee morning or social gathering whilst trying to juggle school runs, laundry, cooking, cleaning and having a full time job! At a certain point, letting someone else down meant that I was letting myself down and by extension letting my family down.
Remember that every time you say no to something, you are also saying yes. Saying no to a late night, means saying yes to getting to bed at a decent time, saying yes to waking up early and getting your workout in, saying yes to a productive day at work, saying yes to being present at home.
Before you say yes, ask yourself these questions:
- Does this opportunity fit in with my career agenda and progression?
- Do I have an opportunity to develop my skills and grow by taking this on?
- Do I have the time to do this without sacrificing my current commitments?
- Does this role require my unique skill set?
Saying no is essential to create space and energy so you can say yes to the things that serve you.