ONE THING on Saying No

When you have to say “no” to a stakeholder, ideally you arrive at that answer together. If that’s not possible, use what you know about your stakeholder to craft a narrative that will help them understand why “no” is the right answer.


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Ensure your stakeholder hears a clear “no” now, rather than a staring of “maybes,” disappointing them in the end. People prefer bad news over uncertainty.

Do you like saying “no?” Cringe when you have to? Learn more tips in Chapter 6, Change, in Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders.

 
 

Product Culture Coach Melissa Appel spoke about Stakeholder Management at the Business of Software conference in Raleigh a few weeks ago. Check out more photos on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Other events coming up...

ProductCamp Boston
C. Todd Lombardo is bringing back ProductCamp Boston October 28. A great event that brings Boston product people together for learning, networking, and ideas. Register.

Founder Mode
I will lead a CPO online discussion on Founder Mode: Poison Pill or Silver Bullet? Thursday, November 7 @ 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm GMT / 6pm CET. Learn why founders use the term, when it’s useful and when it’s not. Plus how to use it to your advantage. Register.