5-Times you should say NO!

April 5, 2010
Leadership Clip to Evernote
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Screen shot 2010-04-05 at 5.54.38 AMAs a leader, the more you grow, the more "things" come at you, and vie for your attention. It is a big temptation for some leaders to feel they can take it all on and make it work. However, no matter how you "feel" you only have so much to give out, and when you are empty, you are empty! So the best practice is to say no to the things that will drive you to "empty." We will all have to face stresses that are draining and demanding, but we can’t stay there too long. If we try to run with the low fuel light flashing all the time, we will have nothing to give… So here here are times when it is OK to say no…

1. When asked to "step in" and finish a project they don’t feel they can finish.


2. When asked to do something during a time you have scheduled to be with God, family or friends.


3. When asked to meet with someone that has proven in the past, they don’t want your help, just your sympathy.


4. When asked to start a new ministry or project with no clear leader in place (Hint: It’s not you!).


5. When asked to do something you have already delegated to someone else! Never take the ball back!

Can you think of any to add to the list? I would love to hear your experiences! Leave a reply bellow (↓).

About artie: I'm the lead Pastor at Cornerstone, a Multi-Ethnic church in the heart of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Also the founder of the Comb Network.com, a movement to plant Multi-Ethnic, culturally relevant churches in smaller cities. I direct a gathering of small city leader called "The Sticks."

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  • http://kevinowens4.posterous.com Kevin Owens

    The one I have to remember is the more general: Say no when your plate is already full. I have to constantly remind myself that "no" is not a dirty word and that by saying it, I am not "letting everyone down".

    I think it critical to have a plan with priorities (God, family, work, ministry (paid or volunteer), etc.). Problems can creep in when you start saying yes to things that are not on that list.

    Great post and thanks for the reminders.

  • Debbie Mast

    Again, I have to thank you for the reminder that it is OK to say NO!!! to those who only want unending sympathy, but are unwilling to do anything towards changing the situation!

  • http://bondchristian.com/ bondChristian

    I’m not a fan of saying NO actually. I’m more a fan of saying YES and actually following through with it. But granted, that doesn’t always happen, and when it doesn’t… or couldn’t, this is a fantastic list for when to stop.

    Excellent job here. We all know this stuff, but we forget about it in the heat of the day.

    -Marshall Jones Jr.

    • http://artiedavis.com artie

      Hey Bond. Love your analogy angle of wanting to say yes, just needing to know when to stop.

  • http://www.ourlifeonchrist.com @anjiHeartChrist

    Great post!

    Another "no" time: when you know you’re probably not qualified to handle the responsibilities you have been assigned but you like the title.

    • http://artiedavis.com artie

      Amen to that! Wish I had thought of that.

    • http://www.mikeandjenberk.com @mikeberk1

      When isn’t that the case?!