Power Of A Positive No : How To Say No And Still Get To Yes by William Ury

William Ury brings a marvelous blend of experience, insight, integrity and warmth to his work. In this wonderful book he teaches us how to say No–with grace and effect–so that we might create an even better Yes. –Jim Collins, author of Good to Great

The Power of a Positive No: Transforming Lives with the New Yes

No is often considered the most crucial and powerful word in our language. Each day, we encounter situations where saying No becomes necessary – at work, at home, and in our communities – to safeguard ourselves and stand up for what truly matters. However, saying No in the wrong way can lead to detrimental effects, causing alienation and anger. That’s why knowing how to say No the right way is of utmost importance.

The answer lies in mastering the art of the Positive No, a proven technique that can be learned by anyone. This invaluable book provides a simple three-step method for delivering a Positive No. It equips readers with the skills to assert and defend their key interests, make a firm and strong No, resist aggression and manipulation from the other party, all while still striving for a positive outcome. Ultimately, the Positive No enables individuals to not only reach any Yes, but rather the right Yes – one that genuinely serves their interests.

Based on William Ury’s renowned course at Harvard University for managers and professionals, The Power of a Positive No offers practical advice and real-life examples for effectively saying No in any scenario. Whether it’s to a customer, coworker, employee, CEO, child, or spouse, this book will teach readers the secret to saying No clearly, respectfully, and efficiently.

In today’s fast-paced world, where stress is high and choices are limitless, the pressure to always say Yes is relentless. This leads to overload, overwork, expanding email inboxes, and eroding ethics. In such a climate, the power of saying No has never been more vital. A Positive No has the potential to transform lives by allowing individuals to say Yes to what truly counts – their own needs, values, and priorities. No, understood in this light, becomes the new Yes. Mastering the Positive No may very well be the most valuable life skill one can acquire.

The Power of a Positive No: Saying No for Business Success

William Ury, best-selling author and co-founder of Harvard’s program on negotiation, explores the concept of saying “no” in his book, “The Power of a Positive No.” In this book, Ury completes a trilogy that started with “Getting to Yes” and “Getting Past No.” He emphasizes that the ability to assert our interests and say “no” is crucial in reaching agreements that truly satisfy our needs.

Ury highlights the example of Southwest Airlines, the most profitable airline in the world, who achieved success by saying “no” to customer expectations of reserved seats, hot meals, and baggage transfers. By doing so, they were able to focus on what mattered most to their customers: low-cost, convenient, frequent flights. This emphasizes the importance of saying “no” in business as a strategic decision that brings focus and success.

Ury argues that true leadership lies in the ability to say “no,” as it enables leaders to focus the activities of their organizations and make the best deals. Focusing on the advice of renowned investor Warren Buffett, who credited his success to saying “no” to a thousand deals to find the truly profitable one, Ury highlights the importance of prioritizing and making strategic choices.

Ury introduces the concept of “building a golden bridge” in negotiations, which involves offering an attractive proposal to the other party after saying “no.” This approach not only meets their needs but also helps them save face. Ury emphasizes that saying “no” is the biggest challenge in today’s overwhelmed and overstressed business environment, where the ability to prioritize and say “no” to less important things is key to achieving success and happiness.

“The Power of a Positive No” provides valuable tools for navigating difficult business interactions and guiding individuals in achieving success in negotiations. Utilizing these techniques will steer anyone in business towards success.