Is your "No" really a "Yes"?

Learning how to say No is probably my greatest leadership lesson.

My late uncle, Dr Kriben Pillay, was a genius at understanding human behaviour.

He once explained to me how I was constantly putting myself in situations I didn't want by not being able to say No. Getting stuck on extended trips, hosting parties (and washing dishings until 3am) and making deals with friends and family that ended in heartache. 

He went one step further. I was once in a situation with a family member who wanted me to do a favour for them. He explained how I hadn't given them a clear No when I said "I can't do this today because my wife is sick". He then predicted (verbatim) of how the person on the other end would counter my No, and all the tactics they would use. 

This moment changed my perspective forever. I understood that learning how to say No might very well become my superpower.

I've documented this learning from Uncle Kriben in this paper. I've explained what makes a No weak and easy to counter. I've listed some of the ways a good salesperson will overcome your No.

I've given you 5 easy steps to articulating a clear No that can't be countered by even the most practiced objector.