If you can say, “I'm really sorry that I'm dropping out for these specific reasons, and I'm sure it's a disappointment, but here's the good news” — and then share a few ways that you know you can help — your “no” will go down a lot smoother. It might even be welcomed.
But are you allowed to change your mind even if you've already said yes? As counterintuitive as it might feel, the short answer is that you always have the right to change your mind.
Even if you don't offer an explanation, you can still soften the blow by being polite and appreciative. For example, instead of a curt, “No, I can't do that,” you could say, “I'm really sorry, but I just don't have the bandwidth to take this on. I appreciate that you thought of me and best of luck!”
How do you say no after saying yes to a job offer?
I am very grateful for the time you have spent considering me and for offering me the opportunity to work with you and the team. I was impressed with [Name of Company] and can see why you have been so successful. Unfortunately, after careful consideration, I have decided that I must decline your offer.
The fear of saying no also stems from the urge to avoid conflicts, or confrontation. Another reason that why people tend to worry about saying no is because they don't want to disappoint others, or hurt their feelings.
Saying yes means that you're open to moving past your comfort zone and embracing a new challenge. By saying yes, you naturally adopt a growth mindset, leading with your curiosity. As Branson says: “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity, but you are not sure you can do it, say yes—then learn how to do it later!”
Those prompts come from internal experiences and self-talk, external expectations, and crises situations. But, instead of pouring over deep psychological explanations, let's get right to the point. The three major motives that push us into agreeing to a request we really don't want to are: guilt, fear, and survival.
noun. ˈyes-ˌman. Synonyms of yes-man. : a person who agrees with everything that is said. especially : one who endorses or supports without criticism every opinion or proposal of an associate or superior.
