How does one say “no” in an office set up, as it is perceived as not being flexible?

Ruchira Bharadwaja:

Saying no is often perceived as not being flexible and not being a team player. So how does one navigate once we out around that?

Yogi Sriram:

Please practice it. I don't think there's any other way. When people understand you better that you're saying no not because you're stubborn or because you're rebellious, not because you want to keep a cushion in every job with respect to timelines, but you're genuine and authentic. And you're saying that it's not possible because I need to do this this this. This is the building blocks for coming out with a new policy in the company. I need to ask this question of so many people. If you short cut it, this is going to be the cost. Logically present a picture and to say no is very important.

Often when the in times like this which are very stressful when budgets are discussed, a senior person may tell you that look you can do it and I want you to do it this way. But a good leader who is facing subordinate who is pushing back and saying no I can't do it is a person who can show the way a person you can say maybe you can experiment this way or try this or try that. And I'll support you in it.

So therefore saying no comes from various emotions if you're saying no because of the fear of failure. It's a bad idea. if you're saying no because you come from a school where a promise is a promise and I need to give the promise, it is a good idea.