I think it would be well to plan and rehearse statements to use. "I already have heavy plans for that quarter...I'm not doing that role much anymore...Let me see if one of my colleagues can help you...I am so tied up with a new book I'm writing..." One would preface with "Oh, that sounds so interesting...Ordinarily I would love to do that..." I read that people will agreeably accept almost any turn-down if given a semblance of a reason or excuse.
Thank you for this post. I experience many of the same issues— especially with boundaries and overcommitting.
I think it would be well to plan and rehearse statements to use. "I already have heavy plans for that quarter...I'm not doing that role much anymore...Let me see if one of my colleagues can help you...I am so tied up with a new book I'm writing..." One would preface with "Oh, that sounds so interesting...Ordinarily I would love to do that..." I read that people will agreeably accept almost any turn-down if given a semblance of a reason or excuse.