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Say 'no' to self assessment overload

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26th Jan 2016
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The end is in sight for many practitioners filing self assessment returns. However, not all accountants are ready to celebrate. These final days coax out last minute stragglers, and many accountants find it difficult to say "no".

The overwhelming feeling that strikes every January can be somewhat eased by learning to say "no". BusinessZone’s latest article series by Caroline Webb delved into the importance of the positive no. Anthony, the chief executive tracked in the series, said: “Everything in life can feel important, but you can’t do everything. So I had to learn to let go of things and it was ridiculously hard to do at first.” 

Graham Allcott wrote on Training Zone that saying "no" will remedy the feelings of being overwhelmed. He said: “Make it your mission to perfect the art of saying ‘no’ to yourself and to others.”

Many people choose to avoid difficult conversations by saying "yes". Caroline Webb added: “I find it hard to say no, and I get tense before making the call or walking into the meeting where I need to do it.”

However, knowing how to phrase your no eliminates all this discomfort:

  • A positive no replaces the usually apology with appreciation
  • Remain upbeat about the reasons why you had to decline
  • End with warmth or even an offer to introduce to someone who can help instead

By explaining your reasons why you had to decline in a positive manner removes the fear many hold that their no might ruin a potential client relationship.

‘No’ takes control

Cheekychappy recounted on Any Answers his ‘positive no’ enlightenment. A large envelope addressed to ‘accountant’ could have potentially scuppered his tax return completion. “Inside there was a receipt book, along with some receipts and a note,” said Cheekychappy. "The note reads, word for word: Please can you do my tax return?”

The AccountingWEB member enforced the positive no, informing the client that he didn’t “have capacity” and “he should find somebody else”.

Cheekychappy realised his boundaries and took control of the situation and his workload.

‘No’ breeds opportunity

Others, though, say no creates opportunity. They use the positive no in another way. Instead of saying yes to January’s new clients and charging at their normal fee, they charge a premium. KD1182 said: “Given that the deadline is so near, elasticity of demand is exceedingly in the favour of the accountant. January is the month to maximise profits.”

‘No’ to distractions

As your January workload creeps up, you don’t need any additional distractions to tear you aware from completing your self assessment pile. Graham Allcott recommended “Turning off your emails, even for just a couple of hours a day or half an hour in each hour, will give a clearer head.”

‘No’ boosts productivity

While the January deadline forces accountants to work late, giving yourself permission to switch off your brain will boost your productivity. Allcott explained: “Allowing silence, space and rest to permeate them is so important not only to our mental health but to our ability to produce proactive attention and stay on top form.”

This no opens space for you to enjoy your work on your terms and not get bogged down in work overload.

By outlining your boundaries, knowing what you can accept as workload, you can take control of your work schedule. Remember to be direct with your decision. Use clear language and stick to your word.

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