As a manager, what can you do to ensure that your employees aren’t taking things on because they feel like they have to, but because they actually want to? Here are three research-backed tips to help you ensure the “yes” you get is truly voluntary.
 
Give people time to respond. When you make your request, say, “Don’t answer right now. Think about it and get back to me tomorrow.” This helps ensure their yes is considered, not pressured.
 
Ask them to respond over email. Email allows people to craft their responses thoughtfully. This method lets them write, rewrite, and refine their response, making it easier for them to say no if they need to. Even if you make the request in person, you can still ask for an email reply.
 
Share an example of how to say no. People often agree to work requests on the spot because they can’t find the right words to refuse. To avoid this, give people the words to say no as part of your request. This technique helps people feel freer to decline, making any agreement more voluntary.
This tip is adapted from “3 Ways to Make a Request That Doesn’t Feel Coercive,” by Rachel Schlund et al.
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