The Leadership Line

Author: Tammy Rogers and Scott Burgmeyer

Leading people, growing organizations, and optimizing opportunities is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage, drive, discipline and maybe just a dash of good fortune. Tammy and Scott, mavericks, business owners, life-long learners, collaborators and sometimes competitors join forces to explore the world of work. They tackle real-life work issues everything from jerks at work to organizational burnout. And while they may not always agree Tammy and Scotts experience, perspective and practical advice helps viewers turn the kaleidoscope, examine options and alternatives, and identify actionable solutions. 
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Language: en-us

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Management

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The Art of Saying No at Work
Episode 35
Wednesday, 1 October, 2025

Ever been handed “one more thing” and wondered whether pushing back would help you or haunt you? We dig into the real art of saying no at work—how to protect your bandwidth without damaging trust, and how to turn tense requests into clear decisions that move the right work forward. Along the way, we share the exact phrases that keep conversations calm, the questions that reveal hidden context, and the negotiation steps that map tradeoffs without sounding defensive.We start by separating core responsibilities from additive requests and unpack why that distinction changes your next move. If the work is core, we talk about ownership and execution; if it’s additive, we show you how to probe for intent—stretch assignment, urgent fire drill, or visibility play—so you can assess risk and reward. Then we dive into tone and power dynamics: with a boss, ask permission before offering alternatives; with peers, redirect or delay while still being helpful; with direct reports, be clear and candid so they can succeed. You’ll hear simple scripts like “Help me understand why this, why now, and why us,” “Where does this fit among A, B, and C?,” and “If we prioritize this, X slips two weeks—acceptable?”Expect practical tools you can use today: a fast mental checklist for on‑the‑spot decisions, ways to avoid over‑questioning that sounds like stonewalling, and a framework to document impacts so leaders can make informed calls. We also cover when a firm refusal is non‑negotiable—anything illegal, unethical, or harmful—and how to do that with professionalism. By the end, you’ll be able to choose among no, not yet, yes if, and yes—and know why each choice fits the moment.