saying-no-to-extra-work-sarah

Saying 'No' to Extra Work

with Sarah Jenkins - The Overwhelmed Project Manager
Easy~15 min5 goalsWorkplace Communication

Practice setting boundaries with an overwhelmed colleague trying to delegate work to you

SCENARIO

Sarah Jenkins, a project manager from another team, approaches you asking for help with a task she's behind on. She's clearly stressed and frames it as a small favor, but you're already at capacity.

Objectives

  • Decline the request firmly but kindly
  • Maintain a good working relationship
  • Show empathy for her stressful situation

Skills you'll practice

Boundary settingEmpathetic communicationSaying no professionallyRelationship management

How you'll be evaluated

COMMUNICATION

  • Clear boundaries
  • Empathetic tone
  • Alternative solutions

PROBLEM SOLVING

  • Win-win thinking
  • Resource management
  • Priority setting

EMOTIONAL

  • Assertiveness
  • Compassion
  • Professional warmth

Conversation goals

Work through these in roughly this order during the session.
  1. Goal 1

    Empathetic Listening

    Listen to Sarah's request with empathy and acknowledge her stressful situation

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Show genuine concern for her situation
    • Listen actively to understand the full request
    • Acknowledge her stress without immediately saying no

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • Sarah feels heard and understood
    • Her anxiety decreases slightly
    • She provides more context about her situation
  2. Goal 2

    Honest Assessment

    Honestly assess and communicate your current capacity and commitments

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Explain your current workload clearly
    • Be transparent about constraints
    • Show you take existing commitments seriously

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • Sarah understands your situation
    • She shows some disappointment but acceptance
    • Conversation remains professional and respectful
  3. Goal 3

    Alternative Solutions

    Offer alternative solutions or resources that might help Sarah without compromising your boundaries

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Suggest other resources or people who might help
    • Offer limited assistance within your capacity
    • Help her think through prioritization

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • Sarah considers the alternatives
    • She expresses gratitude for suggestions
    • Her stress level appears to decrease
  4. Goal 4

    Future Support

    Discuss how you might be able to help in the future or prevent similar situations

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Offer future availability
    • Suggest better planning
    • Maintain positive relationship

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • Sarah feels supported long-term
    • She accepts the boundary gracefully
    • Relationship remains intact
  5. Goal 5

    Professional Closure

    Close the conversation on a positive note while maintaining your boundary

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Reaffirm your support
    • Maintain professional warmth
    • Wish her success

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • Sarah leaves with understanding
    • Professional relationship is preserved
    • She respects your boundaries
#boundaries#communication#assertiveness#empathy