Balancing
Priorities & Polite
Refusals in IT
Leading Hybrid &
AI-Integrated
Teams
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Balancing Priorities & Polite Refusals in IT
Section Overview
The best managers understand the importance of delegation, and they are
able to assign tasks and responsibilities to the right people on their team. They
trust their team members to take on new responsibilities and provide them
with the resources and support they need to succeed. A sign of a poor
manager is one that micromanages and doesn’t empower their team to solve
problems themselves.
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Defining Individual Goals & OKRs for IT Teams
The BEST Way To Delegate Effectively - YouTube
Most managers who fail in their roles make the
same mistake: they don’t delegate effectively.
In this video, we’ll show you four ways to
delegate effectively so you can make the most
of your team’s capabilities.
LEARN
THE QUIZLET
How to (Gracefully) Say No
CLICK THE IMAGE
TO PLAY THE VIDEO
The video discusses strategies for gracefully
saying "no" while managing the anxiety and fear
associated with it. It provides practical tips,
including offering alternatives, taking time to
consider, and using polite but firm
communication to handle requests without guilt.
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Balancing Priorities & Polite Refusals in IT
Saying no is hard. These communication tips make it easy. | Michelle Tillis Lederman | Big Think - YouTube
The video focuses on how to professionally say
"no" while offering alternatives to maintain
positive relationships. It also discusses ways to
qualify a "yes" response by providing conditions
or timing to manage expectations effectively.
Nedra Glover Tawwab: Your 3-step guide to setting better boundaries at work | TED Talk
CLICK THE IMAGE
TO PLAY THE VIDEO
Your 3-Step Guide to Setting Better
Boundaries at Work
| The Way We Work
The video is about setting healthy boundaries at
work to create better relationships and prevent
burnout. It provides steps for identifying,
communicating, and sticking to boundaries to
ensure personal well-being and work-life
balance.
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Let’s kick it off
with a warm-up
part 1/2
Discuss the following quotations. What do you think they mean? Do you agree or
disagree with them? Give reasons for your answers.
“
Delegation is a critical skill for you to
master as a manager. However, it's also one
of the areas that people find the hardest.
”
Why do you think delegation is challenging for many managers?
Can you think of situations where delegation might feel
particularly difficult or risky?
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part 2/2
Discuss the following quotations. What do you think they mean? Do you agree or
disagree with them? Give reasons for your answers.
“
Ensuring your employees feel supported
while still maintaining the autonomy they
need to thrive can be a delicate balancing
act.
”
How can managers balance offering support while avoiding
micromanagement?
What do you think is the impact of excessive control on team
performance and morale?
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In a moment, you’ll watch a video titled:
The Best Way To Delegate
Effectively
But first…
part 1/3
Let’s do the quiz to test understanding of delegation principles and practical
application.
1. True or False:
Delegating tasks means transferring all
responsibility to your team members without
offering any support.
2. Multiple Choice:
Which of the following is not a key factor in
effective delegation?
a) Understanding team members’ skills and goals
b) Micromanaging their work closely
c) Defining clear outcomes and expectations
d) Providing feedback and recognition
1. False
Delegating does not mean abandoning responsibility.
It involves offering guidance, resources, and support
to ensure the task is completed successfully.
2. b) Micromanaging their work closely
Micromanaging can hinder autonomy and trust,
which are crucial for effective delegation.
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part 2/3
Let’s do the quiz to test understanding of delegation principles and practical
application.
3. Fill in the Blank:
When delegating tasks, it’s important to strike the
right balance between providing __________ and
encouraging __________.
4. Short Answer:
Why is it important to align delegated tasks with a
team member’s career development goals?
3. When delegating tasks, it’s important to strike the
right balance between providing support and
encouraging autonomy.
4. Aligning tasks with a team member’s career
development goals helps them grow professionally,
increases motivation, and ensures they see value in
the work assigned to them.
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part 3/3
Let’s do the quiz to test understanding of delegation principles and practical
application.
5. Scenario-Based Question:
You’ve delegated a task to a team member, and they
complete it differently than you expected. What
steps should you take next to maintain trust and
ensure improvement?
5. If a team member completes a task differently
than expected:
• Provide constructive feedback on what could be
improved.
• Acknowledge what they did well.
• Discuss how the process can align better with
expectations in the future.
• Reinforce trust by encouraging them to try
again or take on similar tasks.
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Watch the video & focus on the questions.
1. What are the key criteria to determine
which tasks can and cannot be delegated,
as outlined in the script?
The BEST Way To Delegate Effectively - YouTube
2. How can managers align delegation with
team members' skills, career goals, and
development needs?
3. What strategies can managers use to
provide clear expectations and feedback
without falling into micromanagement?
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part 1/2
Watch the video & focus on the questions.
1. What are the key criteria to determine which tasks can and cannot be delegated, as outlined in the
script?
• Tasks that align with the manager’s unique skills or require specific input, like performance
reviews or compensation decisions, cannot be delegated.
• Tasks that can be delegated are those that can provide development opportunities for team
members, tasks that someone on the team could do better, or tasks that don't require the
manager's specific involvement and can help the team member grow.
2. How can managers align delegation with team members' skills, career goals, and development needs?
• Managers should assess each team member’s strengths, knowledge, and career aspirations
before delegating tasks.
• They should delegate tasks that provide a stretch or development opportunity, ensuring that the
tasks align with the employee’s professional growth and current capabilities, while also
considering their level of experience.
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part 2/2
Watch the video & focus on the questions.
3. What strategies can managers use to provide clear expectations and feedback without falling into
micromanagement?
• Managers should clearly communicate the desired outcomes, deadlines, and how success will
be measured, while allowing employees the freedom to complete the task in their own way.
• Regular check-ins are important to monitor progress, but managers should resist adding extra
check-ins unless requested by the team member.
• Providing constructive feedback when necessary, along with positive recognition for completed
tasks, fosters a supportive and trusting environment without micromanaging.
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Let’s hash it out!
Answer & elaborate on the questions.
1.
Is it more beneficial for managers to delegate tasks to their team members, even if it means
relinquishing control, or is it better to micromanage to ensure perfection?
2.
Can micromanagement ever be justified in certain situations, or should delegation always
be the preferred approach in management?
3.
Does the ability to delegate effectively reflect stronger leadership skills, or does it signal a
lack of trust in your team’s capabilities?
4.
Is it more efficient for managers to take on important tasks themselves, or is delegating
them to capable team members a better long-term strategy for organizational growth?
5.
Should employees expect to be given more responsibility through delegation, or is it fair for
managers to retain key tasks to maintain control over results?
6.
Can micromanagement be an essential tool for development and training, or does it hinder
creativity and growth within a team?
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Let’s leverage some vocabulary!
Choose one of the words in italics to complete the mind map with expressions for
saying you’re busy.
I have a lot on
my plate/dish.
I have a
whole/hectic day.
I am
I have my
head/hands full.
I’M BUSY
I have a packed
calendar/schedule.
I am tied up/down.
swamped/stamped.
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Rewrite the sentences using the words in brackets.
• I appreciate your invitation but I’m busy this week. (tied)
I appreciate your invitation, but I’m tied up this week.
• Sorry, but my calendar is busy this week. Can I look into this next week? (packed)
Sorry, but my schedule is packed this week.
• I think he needs a holiday. He’s been so busy lately. (swamped)
He’s been swamped lately.
• I’m afraid I can’t help you with this. I have too many tasks to deal with. (full)
I have my hands full.
• That sounds interesting but I’m afraid I can’t invest my time in it. There are just
too many things I must do right now. (plate)
I have a lot on my plate right now.
• Sorry I haven’t called you back. It’s been a very busy day. (hectic)
It’s been a hectic day.
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part 1/3
Read the statements and find the words to match the meanings.
MEANINGS:
A. moving or developing very quickly
When people ask me to do
something because I’m
good at it, I feel so flattered
that I can never say ‘no’.
Even if that means
sacrificing my own
downtime.
B. annoy someone to the point you do what
they want just to get rid of them
C. time to relax and do nothing
D. unlikely to change
E. repeatedly ask someone to do
something
F. pleased because of something someone
has said about you
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part 2/3
Read the statements and find the words to match the meanings.
MEANINGS:
A. moving or developing very quickly
I hate it when people try to
needle me into saying ‘yes’.
That makes me even more
firm when I say ‘no’.
B. annoy someone to the point you do what
they want just to get rid of them
C. time to relax and do nothing
D. unlikely to change
E. repeatedly ask someone to do
something
F. pleased because of something someone
has said about you
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part 3/3
Read the statements and find the words to match the meanings.
MEANINGS:
A. moving or developing very quickly
My colleagues don’t keep
badgering me when I say ‘no’.
They understand that we live
in a fast-paced world where
everyone is tied up.
B. annoy someone to the point you do what
they want just to get rid of them
C. time to relax and do nothing
D. unlikely to change
E. repeatedly ask someone to do
something
F. pleased because of something someone
has said about you
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Read the statements again and discuss whether you agree.
1. When people ask me to do something because I’m good at it, I feel so
flattered that I can never say ‘no’. Even if that means sacrificing my own
downtime.
2. I hate it when people try to needle me into saying ‘yes’. That makes me even
more firm when I say ‘no’.
3. My colleagues don’t keep badgering me when I say ‘no’. They understand
that we live in a fast-paced world where everyone is tied up.
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In a moment, you’ll watch a video titled:
How to (gracefully) say no
Watch the video about four strategies of saying ‘no’ and complete the names of
these strategies.
How to (Gracefully) Say No
A. take a __________
B. deliver the news __________
C. offer an __________
D. open in case of __________
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Watch the video about four strategies of saying ‘no’ and complete the names of
these strategies.
How to (Gracefully) Say No
A. take a __________
beat
deliberately
B. deliver the news __________
C. offer an __________
alternative
D. open in case of __________
‘badgers’
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part 1/2
Watch the video again and write more details about each strategy.
The immediate answer is not always necessary. You can buy some time
to think about your priorities and goals, and about the advantages and
disadvantages of what you are being asked to say ‘yes’ to. You can also
reach out to people and ask them to help you decide.
•
take a beat
•
deliver the news If you have to say ‘no’, do it with gratitude and context. For example, if
you’re invited to a party you can’t or don’t want to go to, you might
deliberately
thank the person, explain why you can’t make it, and say you hope they
have a great party. Or when you turn down a job offer, explain why you
can’t commit right now, or offer to help find someone else instead. But
don’t be overly apologetic, in order not to make the situation awkward.
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part 2/2
Let’s check the answers.
•
offer an
alternative
If you feel awkward and can’t give a firm ‘no’, suggest an alternative –
another day, time or way you can participate. Another option could be
suggesting someone else who can do it instead.
•
open in case of
‘badgers’
If people keep badgering you, have a couple of phrases that you can use
to still say ‘no’ politely. For example, ‘With my schedule I’ll be unreliable’
or ‘My family wouldn’t be happy if I did this.’
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Discuss the questions.
●
Do you find these strategies useful?
●
Do you use any of them in your daily life?
●
Do you have any other tips?
●
How important to you is the way of saying ‘no’?
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Let’s hash it out!
part 1/2
Match the phrases to the corresponding strategies from the video.
take a beat
deliver the news deliberately
offer an alternative
open in case of ‘badgers’
A. I appreciate your offer but…
deliver the news deliberately
B. Have you thought about asking…?
offer an alternative
C. Can I get back to you on this later?
take a beat
D. How about next week?
offer an alternative
E. It’s nice of you to invite me. However,…
deliver the news deliberately
F.
open in case of ‘badgers’
As I said, I’d rather not. I don’t feel it’s up my street.
G. If I think of someone who can help you, I’ll send
them your way.
offer an alternative
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part 2/2
Match the phrases to the corresponding strategies from the video.
take a beat
deliver the news deliberately
offer an alternative
open in case of ‘badgers’
H. That sounds interesting. I’d like to give it some thought.
take a beat
I.
I wish I could but…
deliver the news deliberately
J.
I understand that, but I really have to say no. As I said, I
don’t feel comfortable doing it.
open in case of ‘badgers’
K. I’m sorry, I’d love to but…
deliver the news deliberately
L.
deliver the news deliberately
I’m flattered that you asked me but…
M. Really, my schedule is packed, and I can’t take on any
more responsibilities.
open in case of ‘badgers’
N. I’m not up for this, but you might want to ask…
offer an alternative
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part 1/4
Look at the situations and think of the strategies and phrases to say ‘no’ to
each of them.
your manager asks you to do overtime before the holidays
DELIVER THE NEWS DELIBERATELY
I appreciate your offer but…
It’s nice of you to invite me. However,…
I wish I could but…
I’m sorry, I’d love to but…
I’m flattered that you asked me but…
OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE
Have you thought about asking…?
How about next week?
If I think of someone who can help you, I’ll send them
your way.
I’m not up for this, but you might want to ask…
OPEN IN CASE OF ‘BADGERS’
As I said, I’d rather not. I don’t feel it’s up my
street.
I understand that, but I really have to say no.
As I said, I don’t feel comfortable doing it.
Really, my schedule is packed, and I can’t
take on any more responsibilities.
TAKE A BEAT
Can I get back to you
on this later?
That sounds
interesting. I’d like to
give it some thought.
SAYING YOU’RE BUSY
I am swamped.
I am tied up.
I have a lot on my plate.
I have a packed schedule.
I have a hectic day.
I have my hands full.
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part 2/4
Look at the situations and think of the strategies and phrases to say ‘no’ to
each of them.
a client asks you for a discount
DELIVER THE NEWS DELIBERATELY
I appreciate your offer but…
It’s nice of you to invite me. However,…
I wish I could but…
I’m sorry, I’d love to but…
I’m flattered that you asked me but…
OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE
Have you thought about asking…?
How about next week?
If I think of someone who can help you, I’ll send them
your way.
I’m not up for this, but you might want to ask…
OPEN IN CASE OF ‘BADGERS’
As I said, I’d rather not. I don’t feel it’s up my
street.
I understand that, but I really have to say no.
As I said, I don’t feel comfortable doing it.
Really, my schedule is packed, and I can’t
take on any more responsibilities.
TAKE A BEAT
Can I get back to you
on this later?
That sounds
interesting. I’d like to
give it some thought.
SAYING YOU’RE BUSY
I am swamped.
I am tied up.
I have a lot on my plate.
I have a packed schedule.
I have a hectic day.
I have my hands full.
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part 3/4
Look at the situations and think of the strategies and phrases to say ‘no’ to
each of them.
a friend invites you to go out on Monday night
DELIVER THE NEWS DELIBERATELY
I appreciate your offer but…
It’s nice of you to invite me. However,…
I wish I could but…
I’m sorry, I’d love to but…
I’m flattered that you asked me but…
OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE
Have you thought about asking…?
How about next week?
If I think of someone who can help you, I’ll send them
your way.
I’m not up for this, but you might want to ask…
OPEN IN CASE OF ‘BADGERS’
As I said, I’d rather not. I don’t feel it’s up my
street.
I understand that, but I really have to say no.
As I said, I don’t feel comfortable doing it.
Really, my schedule is packed, and I can’t
take on any more responsibilities.
TAKE A BEAT
Can I get back to you
on this later?
That sounds
interesting. I’d like to
give it some thought.
SAYING YOU’RE BUSY
I am swamped.
I am tied up.
I have a lot on my plate.
I have a packed schedule.
I have a hectic day.
I have my hands full.
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part 4/4
Look at the situations and think of the strategies and phrases to say ‘no’ to
each of them.
an old acquaintance of yours asks you to help them with their project
DELIVER THE NEWS DELIBERATELY
I appreciate your offer but…
It’s nice of you to invite me. However,…
I wish I could but…
I’m sorry, I’d love to but…
I’m flattered that you asked me but…
OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE
Have you thought about asking…?
How about next week?
If I think of someone who can help you, I’ll send them
your way.
I’m not up for this, but you might want to ask…
OPEN IN CASE OF ‘BADGERS’
As I said, I’d rather not. I don’t feel it’s up my
street.
I understand that, but I really have to say no.
As I said, I don’t feel comfortable doing it.
Really, my schedule is packed, and I can’t
take on any more responsibilities.
TAKE A BEAT
Can I get back to you
on this later?
That sounds
interesting. I’d like to
give it some thought.
SAYING YOU’RE BUSY
I am swamped.
I am tied up.
I have a lot on my plate.
I have a packed schedule.
I have a hectic day.
I have my hands full.
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Let’s role-play!
Click the button and role play the situations. Use the phrases to say you’re busy
and the phrases to say ‘no’ politely.
ROLE PLAY 1
Student A
Student B
Student A
ROLE PLAY 2
Student A
Student B
Student B
Student A
Student B
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Mission accomplished!
THANKS!