The Art of Saying No

A weekly leadership podcast hosted in Austin, Texas, where two veteran tech leaders discuss corporate survival tactics.

The Art of Saying No

True or false?

Alex and Nicole agree that they were both excellent at saying no to their CEOs.

• True
• False

Nicole points out that Alex treated a minor project as the ultimate hill to die on.

• True
• False

The hosts realize halfway through the episode that they used to work together.

• True
• False

Alex admits he wanted Nicole to fall on her sword for his executive whim.

• True
• False

In the end, Alex concedes the point and offers a face-saving olive branch.

• True
• False

Listen again and complete the sentences

• Nicole: ____ , Alex, most people fail at this completely. They either turn into total yes-men or they throw tantrums. But let's be honest, we've both been terrible at it in the past.
• Alex: Speak for yourself, Nicole! Well, actually, technically speaking, you're right. I remember one specific ____ in Seattle where I completely dug in my heels on a doomed feature.
• Nicole: Oh, ____ , I remember that exact meeting. You acted as if it was the ultimate hill to die on, but honestly, it wasn't even a core competency for us at the time.
• Nicole: ____ , here we are, years later, arguing about who was more stubborn. Shall we offer our listeners a face-saving olive branch before this turns into a live therapy session?
• Alex: Alright, I'll ____ . You chose your battles well, Nicole. Even if your delivery was slightly terrifying.

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