HBR IdeaCast How to Get Better at Saying No
431 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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Hidden Compliance
- We comply more often than we realize, even when given bad advice.
- This is true even in individualistic cultures like the U.S.
Reasons for Compliance
- People struggle to defy due to pressure, misunderstanding of defiance, and lack of skills.
- This can lead to compliance even in critical situations.
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.
