Why ‘no’ is the kindest word in the professional lexicon

It’s time to distance ‘no’ from its negative tone and approach it as a way to communicate effectively. Here’s how.

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Some psychologists will tell you that “no” is the most dangerous word in the world. I don’t buy it.

So often interpreted as negative, I’m convinced that “no” is one of the kindest words in the English language. My brilliant co-founder recently published a post where she referred to her last year and a half in New York as “professional-finishing school.”

Related: Saying ‘No’ Now Could Save You From Headaches Later

Having been here for about the same amount of time, I too have come to find that this city has refined my professional acumen. The most unexpected change is that I now look at the word “no” through an entirely different lens. Here’s why:

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