How to Tell Your Boss 'No' — Without Saying 'No'

Your boss asks you to take on a new project, and your first thought is: “There is just no way.” Maybe it’s because you’re already juggling three projects near deadline, or maybe you fundamentally disagree with his strategy.
Sure, you could try to just power through all of the projects or propose something you think a client wouldn’t be interested in, but you probably know that’s neither the best nor the most professional option.
Pushing back on a request from your boss can be intimidating (especially if you work for someone who’s, let’s say, not the most receptive to answers outside the realm of “Of course! When would you like it completed?”), but the truth is, it’s significantly better than setting yourself up to fail.
The trick is to push back more diplomatically — getting your point across without actually using the word “no.” Read on for how to approach some common situations, as well as one time you should probably just say “yes.”

Situation: You Truly Don’t Have the Time

Instead of: There’s no way I have time for that.
Try: Could you help me prioritize my project list?
While, “No, I don’t have time,” seems like a perfectly legit response when you’re up to your elbows in other work, it can also make your boss question your ability to capably prioritize and execute the tasks that are on your plate.
So, this is the time to remember,

“Show, don’t tell.”

“Show, don’t tell.” Respond to your boss by saying, “Could you help me prioritize my project list?” In that meeting, lay out what you’re working on, how long it’s taking, and what you would have to delay or stop doing in order to take on the new task. The best thing about this approach is that, along with demonstrating everything on your plate, you’re giving your boss the opportunity to weigh in on what’s most important. That way, if the new project can be passed off or held for later, it likely will be, and if it needs your attention now, you have full permission to de-prioritize something else.