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Your New Favorite Word

Your New Favorite Word

This one word will instantly create happiness and productivity...

Justin Mecham
April 02, 2025

Hey Full Potential Zoners!

The scariest word to say at work?

It’s not what you think.

Saying no to your manager feels risky - but saying yes to everything is even worse.

Every "yes" to something unimportant - is a big "no" to something important.

Making "yes" the scariest word to say at work.

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Saying no isn’t about avoiding work, it’s about protecting the work you already have.

It shows you care about doing things right - not just doing more.

Clear communication builds trust faster than yes ever will.

When you speak up, you don’t just protect your workload— you protect your reputation too.

Today we are going to help leaders master this by using the:

‘Say No to Your Manager - And Still Keep Your Job'.

Let’s dive in!

Download This PDF + my Top 60+ Cheat Sheets At Bottom of Email

How to Actually Say “No” The Right Way

1. When You're Asked to Stay Late—Again

Scenario: You've worked late three nights in a row and your manager asks you to do it again.

“I’ve stayed late the last few nights to meet deadlines. I need to leave on time today to rest and reset.”
This shows you're responsible, but you’re also drawing a clear boundary around energy and balance.
If needed, suggest how you’ll pick things back up tomorrow.

2. When You're Assigned a Last-Minute Project

Scenario: Your manager hands you a new task an hour before the day ends.

“I want to do a great job on this. Can we look at what’s already on my plate and shift a few things?”
You’re showing commitment, but also protecting quality and focus.
Asking for support or a timeline shift makes the situation more manageable.

3. When You're Pulled Into a Meeting With No Purpose

Scenario: You’re invited to a recurring meeting where you add no value.

“I want to be thoughtful with my time—can you let me know what you’d like me to contribute in this meeting?”
If the meeting isn’t necessary, they’ll likely respect your time and remove you.
If you are needed, this gives you clarity.

4. When You're Asked to Take Over Someone Else’s Work

Scenario: A colleague drops the ball, and your manager wants you to step in.

“I want to help where I can. Can we talk through how this fits into my current load?”
You’re not flat-out refusing—you’re inviting a clear prioritization conversation.
This avoids resentment and keeps expectations fair.

5. When the Timeline Just Isn't Realistic

Scenario: You’re given three days to do something that takes five.

“Based on past experience, this will take five solid days to do well. Is there flexibility in the deadline?”
You’re sharing facts, not excuses.
This helps manage expectations early—before things fall behind.

6. When Your Manager Interrupts Your Focus Work

Scenario: You’re deep in work and they drop by with an urgent “ask.”

“I’m in the middle of a focused task. Can I finish this block and then come by in 20 minutes?”
This shows respect for their request and your own time.
Most managers will say yes when they know you’re not just stalling.

Every time you say yes to something unimportant, you say no to something important.

Saying yes to everything often leads to being invisible, not valued.

When you’re clear about your workload, people take you seriously.

Your time matters—and protecting it doesn’t make you less loyal.

Being honest creates more trust than overcommitting ever will.

Real value comes from doing the right things—not doing everything.

Until next time and with lots of love,

Justin

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