HBR IdeaCast How to Get Better at Saying No
469 snips
Jan 14, 2025 
In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Sunita Sah, a Cornell professor and author of "Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes," explores the often-overlooked power of saying no. She emphasizes how societal pressures can stifle individual voices in the workplace. Dr. Sah introduces a framework for evaluating compliance versus defiance, offering strategies to assert personal values effectively. Listeners learn the importance of timing and emotional complexity when saying no, ultimately encouraging a culture of open communication and respect.
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Compliance in Healthcare and Aviation
- Many healthcare workers and airline crew members don't speak up about errors.
- This highlights the potential dangers of compliance.
Defiance and Safety
- Defiance requires considering the situation's safety and effectiveness, as well as personal values.
- Nurses may not speak up due to perceived ineffectiveness, not just fear.
Trained to Comply
- Sunita Sah reflects on her compliant childhood and the societal messages that encourage conformity.
- We are trained to comply but not to defy.
