My challenge to you this week:
Rather than telling someone no, that their idea is bad, or some other negative response, make a conscious effort to turn it into a positive.
Do you have to tell someone no? Okay, but also give the person asking the question something helpful—could be a recommendation on someone else they should talk to or another avenue to try.
Think an idea isn’t the greatest? Tell them what you think could be done to make it better.
On the other side of the conversation? You’re the one doing the asking? Don’t settle. Ask for more information, more feedback, or what you could do differently.
Try it. Then let others know how it goes by leaving a comment here.
Liz joins the agency from Salt Lake City, Utah, where she was responsible for managing the design of the Wasatch Journal, a quarterly publication celebrating Utah’s arts, culture and outdoors. She has also worked with clients such as the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, Brighton Terrain Parks, KAB Rails, Utah Geological Survey, No More Homeless Pets in Utah, Dead Poets, Oettinger & Associates, and The Onyx Group.