FranklinCovey On Leadership Dr. Sunita Sah: How to Say No at Work
Jul 29, 2025
Dr. Sunita Sah, a Professor at Cornell and author of Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes, explores the transformative power of saying no. She shares her personal journey from conformity to embracing defiance. The discussion highlights defiance as a skill crucial for fostering innovation in organizational culture. Sah emphasizes the importance of voicing dissent and navigating the risks of defiance in the workplace. Listeners are challenged to reflect on their own values while recognizing vulnerability's role in effective leadership.
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Mother's Quiet Defiance Impact
- Dr. Sunita Sah witnessed her compliant mother defy a group of boys by calmly questioning them instead of avoiding conflict.
- This moment showed her defiance is a skill, not a personality trait, and can inspire others.
Redefining Defiance Positively
- Defiance means acting in accordance with your values despite pressure to do otherwise.
- Understanding the difference between compliance, consent, and defiance breaks the moral equation that compliance is good and defiance is bad.
Why We Comply Reluctantly
- People comply due to powerful social pressures and what Dr. Sah calls insinuation anxiety: fear of implying negativity towards others.
- This anxiety leads to silence even in life-or-death situations where speaking up is critical.
