In today’s culture, businesses focus on providing their customers with whatever they need, and employees strive to do whatever they are asked. Leaders are also challenged to give more than they should. However, effective leadership requires that managers learn the value of “no.” These are times you should be using this word.

The Task Violates the Law or Your Personal Values

Throughout your life, you have developed a set of core values, and you shouldn’t do anything that violates these values, whether it is refusing to lie, promoting substances that damage health and relationships, or doing something that is considered a criminal act.  As much as you want to please others or give them what they want, you will regret not saying “no” to doing things that violate your values or the law.

The Request Throws You Out of Balance

Studies have shown that your productivity is much greater when you have a balanced life. This means that you take time away from work to do activities you enjoy, rest and pursue relationships, to name a few. If you are running yourself into the ground at work and bringing work home, it may be time to reevaluate your balance. This could involve declining projects and delegating work, which is the key to effective leadership.

You Have Approaching Deadlines

The key to effective work and increased productivity is the focus, and these factors are especially important if you are approaching deadlines on important projects. Therefore, these are great times to decline tasks and duties that will draw your attention away from these initiatives.

Great leaders prioritize their time and tasks, and they don’t take on projects that divert their attention from their priorities.

Automation Could Do the Work

There is nothing worse than doing things that could be automated. It is such a waste of time. Instead of taking on these tasks, research software or apps that could do the task so that you can use your intellect and time on more important duties.

You Can’t Do It

If you are asked to do something that you just cannot do, you should feel free to say “no.” For example, if you are asked to load hundreds of pounds of books onto shelves and you don’t have the physical strength to do the job, decline. The same goes for tasks that require special knowledge or skills. You are the person who knows your abilities best. Recognize your limitations and be honest with your employer when you can’t do something.

You may find it difficult to say “no” at first, but as you grow in leadership, you will become more adept at choosing your tasks.