Saying NO is an instant time saver

Saying no is everyone’s prerogative. Here are four simple tips from author Jo Coudert that help you do it in a way that’s not harsh or unkind.

1. “I’m glad you asked, but my schedule won’t permit me to accept your offer.”
2. “Let me think about it.” (You seldom have to accept on the spot.)
3. Use humor. “I suppose you think I say no just because I’m mean! Well, it’s true!”
4. “Sorry, but that’s not something I do.” (That’s inarguable.)

Be ready. Say no when you mean it. In the long run, it’s much easier than saying yes.  This is productivity tip #30 in our book Attack Your Day! Before It Attacks You.

Are you a timely concluder?

When business is concluded and social etiquette has been expressed, it’s time to move on.

Make it a point to exit meetings promptly. Avoid lingering on the telephone. Discipline yourself to not hover over email. Keep short discussions from evolving into office gossip.

Being slow to conclude is a hidden time-waster that washes more time down the drain than most people realize. Maintain a formal professional stance and use closure statements to disengage in a timely way, using your own style. Prepare closing statements in advance. Get good at using them, and you’ll end up with a lot more time to do what counts.

Being on time for appointments is gracious

We all face situations from time to time that can cause us to be late for meetings and appointments. Chronic tardiness, however, can diminish our professional reputation. It also irritates others. How is your track record?

One reason people are often late is that they fail to manage transition time. Transition time is the time required to move from one activity to the next and/or from one location to the next, whether it’s just down the hall or across town.

Here’s an idea to improve punctuality: Write in your planner not just when the meeting starts, but also when you are going to leave to go to the meeting. Allow a little extra buffer time too because we are often stopped by a co-worker in a hallway, and there is always the possibility of a traffic jam.

Punctuality communicates to others: “I’m a professional and you are important to me.” Tardiness sends another message.

Make it appoint to always be early to appointments and make it fun. Schedule appointments at off times like 9:58 am, or 12:22 pm and my favorite is 5:55 pm.

Having a hard time ending an overlong phone call?

Interrupt yourself! Try this. First, gain control of the conversation. Then in the middle of a sentence, abruptly stop talking, glance at your watch, and mention the time in an urgent manner. For example: “Oh! It’s three-fifty! I need to get going.” That’s all it takes.

Notice the technique. It’s honest and not threatening because it’s never rude to interrupt yourself. Plus, it puts you in control. It breaks the conversation politely so you can be on your way.