Category: intentionality

It’s a temptation for high-performing people to say “yes” to the many requests sure to come their way. Others know these ambitious folks will get it done, and the performers know that, somehow, they will make it happen. To say “no” can feel like admitting that they aren’t as much of an achiever as the achiever identity they own.

But there is a difference between “can” and “should.” Maybe the high-performer can work late, be stressed, and put other priorities aside to accomplish the request, but the additional project is not the right one for the organization. Saying “no” doesn’t imply that you can’t; rather, it means you could but strategically choose not to.

There is also a distinction between “yes” and “when.” Perhaps the new request is valid, but it is not a priority. Before automatically agreeing, ask if there is flexibility in the timeline that better corresponds with the current workload and strategy. There may be no need to drop everything to accomplish it, just because the request is recent or from someone of importance.

Another option is to consider “who” before agreeing to a new assignment. Maybe your area is the right one to handle a project, but someone else in the area would be better suited. Consider whether you personally need to accomplish the work before automatically saying “yes” to the request.

Being a high performer allows you to feel good about producing an abundance of top-quality work, but instead of continually taking on more, learn to become more strategic in what you accept. Just because you can do it doesn’t mean it has to be now or by you. Ask “whether, when, and who” before automatically saying yes to preserve your energy and talents for the right projects.

One of my colleagues astutely pointed out that it is easier to get riled up against something than it is to speak out for something. If things are going well, people tend to say, “Of course, I support it,” and think that showing up to demonstrate that support is unnecessary or obvious, thus giving the loud voices more air. It’s true for public meetings and organizational ones as well.

Better that we give explicit support to the ideas and issues that we believe are good, even if those are the ones in place now. Small pockets of dissent start to feel like a majority view when there is no counterbalancing narrative.

It is unfair to rely on others to be our voice and unwise to let the opposition dominate. Don’t wait until it is a heated debate to make your views known.

Thanks, Felicia!