It’s not easy to say no to taking on more work in a busy law department. And for some, it’s nearly impossible if you are the only attorney working for an organization. However, if you cannot do the work or do it efficiently, on-time and while fulfilling your other obligations, saying “no” is sometimes the best way to serve your client. An article at the Harvard Business Review has a number of suggestions on how you can say “no” while managing potential repercussions and downsides. Part of being a valuable member of the in-house team is avoiding burnout, and many in-house counsel report that they are working even longer hours than their Biglaw counterparts. So adding the power of “no” to your skillset is critical to your future success.
“Sometimes you have too much on your plate or you’re just not interested in taking on a project you’ve been asked to work on. You might not have a choice in the matter, but if you do, how do you turn down the opportunity in a way that won’t offend the person offering? How can you avoid being labeled “not a team player” or “difficult to work with”?”
Read: How to Say No to Taking on More Work at the Harvard Business Review