During the past few weeks I've had the opportunity to speak with a number of senior level women who are all struggling with demands on their time. Each of them admitted they had obligations on their calendars that they would rather avoid and which had nothing to do with moving their personal or professional goals forward. So I asked them: what are they doing there in the first place?

The answer: I didn't know how to say no!

Learning how to say no is a critical leadership skill that will save you a lot of time and aggravation in the long run. Need a simple tool to help you say no? Just remember the 'U-S-A' formula. It stands for understand, situaton and alternative. 

Here's how it works. When someone approaches you about taking on a task that conflicts with your own goals or desires, start out by saying, "I understand you need... " (insert whatever it is they have asked of you). Then tell them the situation, "But here's my situation ... " (insert what you have going on and why you can't deliver what they are requesting). Then provide an alternative, "How about..." or "Here's what I can do for you ..." (insert appropriate alternative).

It's as simple as that. If you have ideas on how to say no, please post your comments to this blog. I think we can all use a little more help in learning how to say no.