We all want to achieve our career goals, but being a ‘people pleaser’ won’t help you reach your potential. It can actually de-value your skills, create more stress and leave you feeling unhappy at work.
Think about the top entrepreneurs and leaders in the world. Now ask yourself, have any of them achieved greatness by saying ‘yes’ all the time? In order to step into your true power and become a success story, you must first learn to empower others by saying ‘no’ in a meaningful, constructive way. By being a truth seeker and not being afraid of change will allow you to achieve the best possible outcome for the company you represent or the board you may report to.
It’s human nature to want acceptance of your workplace peers, however people pleasing is an unhealthy trait. It can place you under enormous amounts of pressure, de-value your skill set and leave you in a position where you no longer have control over the outcome. As Steve Jobs once said ‘focus is about saying no’. To say ‘yes’ and just implement the next steps without questioning the outcome showcases poor leadership and team management skills. In business, you must always speak the truth. It builds trust and integrity with clients and colleagues, leads to referrals and future leadership roles in high-impact global companies.
When I started my first business 20 years ago, I quickly learnt that you should never take on clients or projects you don’t believe in. TORSTAR was a communications leader, partnering with global retailers who trust us to deliver exceptional outcomes for their businesses. We were in this position because mastered the art of saying ‘no’. No because we can do better, achieve more and drive category growth by having constructive debates on what is the best possible pathway to success.
Those who consistently seek validation and acceptance might find themselves stuck in a ‘people-pleasing’ rut. On the contrary, those who use their voice and are able to be assertive will find themselves seeking out greater opportunities and partnering with like-minded people.
Tory Archbold is an inspirational speaker who mentors entrepreneurs in Australia and the US. She talks about the power of how three coffee dates a week can build your global tribe.
