Can saying "no" actually strengthen your relationships? Explore this intriguing possibility in this solo episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast. Drawing from William Ury's enlightening book, "The Power of a Positive No," we uncover the hidden power behind the word "no" and navigate the common, maladaptive responses it elicits—accommodation, attacking, and avoiding.  Using this book as our compass, we’ll discuss Ury’s powerful and practical three-step approach to saying a positive no. Using real-life examples from my executive coaching practice, you'll learn the significance of acknowledging requests, sharing constraints, and inviting collaborative problem-solving.  Join me in this insightful journey to enhance your communication skills and build stronger relationships in your personal and professional life. What You’ll Learn: • Why saying no is so hard for us. • Maladaptive responses we use instead of “No.” • What is a Positive No? • The role of collaboration in a positive no. • A Positive No in action using real-life examples Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - The Importance of Setting and Enforcing Boundaries (04:53) – The Maladaptive Things We Do Instead of Saying No (11:07) – What is a Positive No? A 3-Step Process (15:15) – A Positive No In Action Using Real-life Examples Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Setting Boundaries, Saying No, Managing Relationships, Achieving Harmony, Positive Interactions, Mastering Conflict Resolution, Effective Communication, Navigating Disagreement, Align Priorities, Clarify Expectations, CEO Success More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/