Do you have an appetite for NO? As professionals, we often chase YES from our stakeholders. However, the way to Yes is through facing No. Embrace rejection without losing momentum.
Hearing NO is a good news
Chandra, a young professional, had no time to lose. He needed alignment from multiple stakeholders before a major launch. But many resisted – the proposed changes would affect their teams. He sought Yes and heard No.
Disheartened, he shared his struggle in the weekly review.
“I have bad news,” he said. “They all said No.”
“That’s good news, Chandra,” his boss said, smiling. “You need a big appetite for No to succeed in this role.”
Chandra looked puzzled. His boss explained, “Their No isn’t rejection—it’s hesitation. They’re buying time.”
Encouraged, Chandra re‑engaged. He listened, clarified concerns, and kept the dialogue open. Some conceded, others shifted, and most eventually aligned.
Through this experience, Chandra learned that hearing No isn’t failure. Each No revealed what mattered most to his stakeholders. Over time, he developed an appetite for No.
An appetite for No helps you reach genuine Yes. Hearing Yes is gratifying. But you are likely to encounter more No. It is the way people take control. When you allow space for No, you invite trust, dialogue, and an eventual Yes.
For your reflection
- When was the last time you resisted hearing No?
- What would you accomplish if you had a huge appetite for No?
“Every No brings you closer to a Yes.” – Mark Victor Hansen