When to say yes and when to say no

The most influential and effective leaders in the world are clear on one thing, they know when to say 'yes' and when to say 'no.'

Saying 'yes' to the right things makes us more effective as leaders and keeps us healthy mentally, physically, relationally, and spiritually. Saying 'no' to the wrong things allows us to focus and avoid chaos, stress from over commitment, drama, and unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.

Here are two lists that will help you know when to say 'yes' and when to say 'no'.

What to say 'yes' to:

• Co-creative conversations and collaboration

• Healthy thoughts and actions that build ourselves and others up

• Healthy boundaries

• Ethical behavior and decision making that is the best interest of others and not just ourselves

• Humility

• Kindness

• Positive self talk

• Guarding your heart

• Focused, productive work with no distractions

• Forgiveness

• Honesty

• "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable..." ~Paul (Philippians 4:8)

What to say 'no' to:

• Harmful things for you, others or your relationship with others

• Immoral, deceptive and self centered behavior

• Requests and actions that violate your own healthy boundaries

• Requests and actions that violate the boundaries of others

• Negative self-talk

• Greed

• Enmity

• Selfish ambition and pride

• Behavior that harms others and disrespects them as persons

• Bitterness and resentment

• Passive agressiveness

• Words that tear others down

Here's the bottom line: when we say 'yes' to the right things and 'no' to the wrong things, we become influential and effective leaders.

Remember, I'm pulling for you. We're in this together.