No, No, No: Why Sometimes Saying No is More Important than Saying Yes (setting boundaries)

Description

Sometimes the most powerful word is “No.”

In our mission-driven world, where the stakes are high, it’s easy to fall into the “can-do” trap: saying yes to every opportunity, request, and new idea. But not every yes moves your organization forward.

Join nonprofit leader Sharon L’Herrou for “No, No, No: Why Sometimes Saying No is as Important as Saying Yes. This session will explore how to recognize the hidden risks of “yes,” as well as how to navigate mission distractions, tough decisions, and how the power of “no” can protect your organization’s focus, resources, and reputation.

Because strategic leadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most.

Target Audience: Nonprofit leaders/ team members; anyone who needs to say no.

Learning objectives- By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the "can-do" trap: Identify the cultural and psychological drivers (empathy, mission-driven identity, relationship risk) that push nonprofit professionals toward reflexive "yes," and explain why this pattern is especially strong in the sector.
• Articulate the real costs of saying yes: Name the tangible and intangible costs of overcommitment (burnout, dropped balls, opportunity cost, financial/programmatic strain, and in extreme cases organizational sustainability) rather than treating "yes" as costless.
• Identify the fears that block "no:" Describe the common fears behind avoiding "no" (damaged relationships, lost credibility, reduced influence, unmet needs) and consider strategies to mitigate these concerns.
• Apply a better decision-making filter:  Replace default questions ("Can we do this? Is it valuable?") with the reframed question "How does this serve us?" Then further screening requests against mission fit, financial/cash-flow capacity, staffing capacity, and opportunity cost.
• Choose and deliver the right kind of "no:" Distinguish between different ways to decline (a soft "yes-as-no," a conditional "no, unless...," a firm "no," as well as saying no to a team or board’s idea) and select the appropriate approach for the situation and relationship.
• Prioritize: Understanding that time is the organization's most limited resource, apply the principle of keeping only 2–3 big-picture priorities in focus, to guide which requests get a yes.

Nonprofits First, Inc is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

About the Presenter

Sharon L'Herrou is the Founder and CEO of Solve4Impact, providing leadership coaching and strategic guidance to nonprofit organizations. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the social services sector and a proven record of strengthening organizations through growth, innovation, and collaboration.

Before founding Solve4Impact, Sharon served for nearly a decade as CEO of 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, leading the organization through a period of significant expansion and transformation. Under her leadership, 211 strengthened its financial position, built a reserve fund, and launched a successful capital campaign that positioned the agency for construction of a new multi-million-dollar facility. Additionally, during her tenure, she guided the organization through multiple accreditation processes, reinforcing a strong culture of quality, accountability, and service excellence.

Sharon’s professional background also includes work in disability inclusion, foster care services, government, and community development. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and is certified in Nonprofit Governance through BoardSource. She has been honored with the Community Hero award from Nonprofits First for leadership.