So often in leadership and career development we talk about the importance of saying no. indeed, our Leadership Insight on ‘Saying No’ has been one of our most read articles over the years!
Saying no is often described as a vital muscle for career success and for protecting against burnout. Yet just as important is the flip side: paying attention to what we say yes to, since these are the choices that shape how we actually spend our time and energy.
So, let’s have a think about the power of yes and interrogate what we do say yes to and how this sets up our career path, expertise and experience. Let’s look at the why, what, when and how of saying Yes.
Why do we say yes, and does it matter?
While our role and job description shape much of what we do, many of the doctors we work with are either asked to take on tasks outside their formal remit or choose to initiate projects beyond the status quo. These opportunities can be powerful – they create meaning and purpose and allow them to build expertise and experience in areas they find rewarding. When balanced carefully against the risks of overwork and burnout, saying yes can become an expression of professional agency – a crucial skill for sustaining both career health and personal wellbeing.
Say Yes to things that are ‘right’ for us
The goal is to say yes to work that feels meaningful, valuable and sustainable alongside the rest of our life. And, where reasonable and possible, to say no to work that doesn’t align with the direction we want to move in. Of course, there will always be tasks we don’t enjoy but still need to do – that is part of life and work. What matters is having a solid anchor of self-awareness and clarity about what we do want. This anchor helps guide our decisions about when to say yes and when to say no.
Cultivating this awareness takes time. It requires effort – thinking, reflecting, and often talking with trusted others to gain perspective and insight. Over time, this work allows us to shape and structure a career by crafting experiences, building expertise and developing areas of specialisation. These not only open doors but also strengthen valuable professional relationships.
Making space to reflect on our work – what we enjoy, what we do well, what we want to do more of and what we want to leave behind – provides the anchor point for checking in with our values, strengths and interests. This is the basis of much of our career and leadership coaching conversations.
How to say Yes.
When you agree to something, be clear about exactly what you are committing to – the tasks, duties, timelines and expectations. This often means asking questions and doing some checking first to understand the landscape.
For example:
Is the request clear about the work involved?
Do you have the skills needed?
What are the time demands and deadlines?
What resources would be required – staff, admin support, or extra hours?
In a context where many people are already stretched, it’s important to be deliberate and careful before saying yes to additional work.
Saying ‘Yes’ helps to say ‘No’
We often focus on the importance of saying no because of the constant threat of being overwhelmed – with extra shifts, new committees, or added tasks. But saying yes can also support the ability to say no.
When you are clear about the areas of work you enjoy and excel in, you can steer conversations toward those opportunities and away from others. This shifts the dialogue from being defensive to being positive and growth-focused.
When considering saying yes to new work, it can also create an opening to say no elsewhere – by stepping back from an existing task to make space. Framing decisions this way positions you as leading with what you can contribute, while also being clear about limits.
Over time, this builds the muscle for strong, constructive conversations that protect against overwork and burnout.
Saying ‘Yes’ well
Saying yes to work that interests you, draws on your skills, and adds value to the service is central to healthy and sustainable practice. The right yes also helps build relationships with colleagues who are aligned in similar ways and opens the door to collaboration on important projects – both of which strengthen the workplace.
So, while it’s important to avoid taking on too much, it’s equally important to consider why, what and how you say yes. Done well, yes can be a positive and creative force for your career.
Reference
Dr Anna Clark (PhD) delivers AMA Victoria’s Leadership education and Leadership coaching (6 and 12 month) programs. If you would like to find out more about our leadership development offerings schedule a discovery call or email [email protected]