How to say “NO” to your boss and still keep your job?

You may think that you have no choice but to do whatever your boss asks you to do. This is where you are wrong. In many cases, you can say no to your boss in a polite manner and keep your job; here's how.

Be ready. If your boss asks you to work on another project that is not part of your contract, and you know well that you won't have the time, then prepare some evidence that will allow you to justify your answer when you go to tell him. no.

Stay honest. When you realize that you are unable to combine your current job with another that your boss would like to assign to you again, let them know. It's better to be honest and straightforward and keep your job than to lie and say that you can handle anything and lose your job afterwards because of poor performance.

Admit your flaws. It's always best to admit that you don't have the skills to complete a task your boss assigns you; unless you have time to learn these skills and get the job done afterwards. In that case, let him know too.

Focus on the goal. If you have to say no to attend your sister's wedding or your son's birthday, then make it a priority and say no to your boss. You can't always find an excuse to share with the people who are important to you too. However, it should not be abused either.

Show respect for your boss when you say no. It's important to remember that just saying no to your boss doesn't mean you have to be rude. It is imperative to keep in mind that it is above all your boss and he is the one who will assess your skills and that he can make your life in the company difficult. So, explain to him that you would like to do the job he asks you to do, but that you have serious constraints preventing you from doing so.

Be careful, it's not about having a lazy attitude and saying no every time your boss gives you extra work; otherwise you risk losing your job. It is about being responsible and flexible. If a task is outside your scope and you have the flexibility to do it without any constraints, it's best to say yes to your boss. You will thus increase your chance of promotion and gain more trust from it.