It takes courage, and it takes the support and backing of your team as well as your manager or partner.
Courage... does not come from thin air. You need "Why" Power. A reason that gives you the courage to say no to the wrong things to do.
Why power comes from:
- Understanding the execution plan for your current strategy, and why the project in question is not part of that strategy.
- Understanding that you have limited resources. Saying NO to this gives you the energy and time to say YES to something else that is part of your strategic execution plan.
- Getting your team involved. Allow your team to share their insights and give you support to say NO.