DevoBlogging – Day 25
5 Easy Steps to Saying No to a Leadership Position
You may think that you know how to avoid being asked to lead. My guess is that people are starting to see through your lame “my dog ate my homework” excuses. This is why I am offering you a well-crafted well thought out empirically undeniable system of excuses; ironclad protectors against drawing you into a situation not of your liking.
1) “I am not qualified…” This is the very first line of defense. It is a wonderful screening tool that usually ends any attempt to take the negotiation process any further. This tactic puts the ‘asker” in a defensive position making them question their ability to discern who may be best suited to complete the task. Most importantly they too will begin to question your qualifications. 90% of the time this will be enough for you to go on enjoying the comforts of non-involvement. There are those rare occasions that this tactic will not work. Don’t fret. All is not lost. Move on to step 2.
2) You have failed to adequately call into question your own credentials and qualifications. It is now time to shine the bright light of truth on the interloper trying to get you to lead. A simple, “Who are you? What qualifies you to ask me?” may be just enough to knock the “asker” off balance. They were certain that you would give in to “You’re the right one for this job.” Now they are back on their heels questioning their own abilities and qualifications. They are now asking themselves if they have the good sense enough to be a part of the process of choosing someone for such an impressive task. You will still find, as awkward as it may seem, that this may not be enough to deter someone trying to find a leader. Again, it is going to be fine. There is still another step.
3) You have called into question your own credentials. You have even called into question the credentials of the “asker.” Now it is time to question the inherent abilities of those you are being asked to lead. Simply ask “Why do you think they are ready for any leadership?” The “asker” may not have bought into your false modesty after all you are too well-known as a leader. Their own self-esteem may be so rock solid that they would never question their own ability to find the right person or even sell you on being that person. That is why you now need to question the motives of an entire group. Call out “them” and move the conversation to talking about what “they” have done or not done over the years. This allows you to focus on the inadequacies of an entire group that most importantly is not present and therefore unable to defend themselves. Everyone now should be able to quickly come to the conclusion that this whole idea is a complete waste of time and move on.
The effort that it will take for anyone to maintain the energy needed break through this beautifully developed defense will cause even the heartiest of souls to give up and move on. They will no doubt realize that if it takes this much energy to get you sign up there is no way they will want to be responsible for sending you. .
4) However, there are those who simply just don’t get it. They are persistent! They just keep badgering you! These are the ones who simply can’t take a hint. My suggestion is to give it one more try. Make up some wildly imaginative excuse. Invent a short illness; feign a limp for a few days; claim to stutter even if your eloquence is obvious. No one is going to question you on any of this. Even the most simple of individuals would recognize the rudeness of questioning an ailment or disability.
5) Alas there are those who still won’t get it. They are willing to go the distance. They can weather the storm of excuses. They stand before you just as chipper and glee as when you started this encounter. They will not be moved. At this point there is really only one option. You have tried to be nice and civil. Now you must say, “You really need to find someone else. I am not available.”
This is a time-tested foolproof method. If you follow the steps I have outlined you will never find yourself corralled into an unwanted leadership position. You may even find that this method is a pretty good long-term remedy inoculating you against ever being asked again.
A WORD OF CAUTION: This is foolproof. That means it should only be used in the presence of fools. If in fact you find yourself in an encounter with the Divine this will not work. REPEAT. THIS WILL NOT WORK. There is no known remedy to God’s call outside of our response. Just ask Moses. (Exodus 3:11 – 4:17)
As Mr. Carl emphatically states; “An excuse is an excuse is an excuse!!”