By: Judy McDonough

Judy McDonough — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:46:46 +0000

I once had a co-worker ask me to be a “Fire Marshall” for our floor. The role was such that you are required to round up people during fire drills (or actual emergencies), check offices, etc., etc. Additionally, there were meetings and training that the Fire Marshalls were expected to attend. I was not interested in this position, so I said, “Thanks for asking, but no thank you; I’m not interested.” He was clearly taken aback for a moment and asked, “Really? Why? You’d be great!” I again said, “Thanks; I appreciate that, but no, I’m not interested.” It was clear, gave a reason, and was “blunt without being blunt”, if that makes sense. We ended our conversation, and while he did, for a while, seem a bit cold to me, eventually he came back to being social with me. I felt good about my response that I was not mean, but I clearly and confidently stated my interest (or, in this case, my desire not to participate).

Comments on: Poison Phrase of the Week ~ No

By: Judy McDonough