The Art of No: Tips for Eastern Province Municipality Employees to Avoid Burnout
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the work environment and improve the quality of work life, the Eastern Province Municipality, represented by the General Directorate of Public Relations, organized an important awareness lecture on Tuesday entitled "How to Say No." The lecture aimed to equip municipality employees with skills for achieving psychological and social balance, and to protect their productivity from the erosion caused by excessive responsibilities that can lead to what is known as "job burnout.".
The importance of "the art of saying no" in the workplace
Psychologist Dr. Ali Jaber began his lecture by providing a scientific foundation for the concept of the ability to say no, emphasizing that saying "no" appropriately is not merely passive abstention, but rather a fundamental pillar for achieving psychological stability. He explained that this skill is essential for ensuring the quality of both professional and personal relationships, as clear boundaries prevent the accumulation of unrealistic expectations between colleagues or between managers and employees.
The psychological roots of the "pleasing others" complex
Dr. Jaber delved into a deep psychological analysis of the "permanent approval complex," tracing its roots to childhood upbringing. He pointed out that parenting that links blind obedience with receiving love and appreciation instills in the individual a deep-seated fear of rejection that accompanies them throughout their life, making them easy prey for emotional or professional manipulation for fear of losing social acceptance.
A global and local context for promoting mental health
This lecture comes at a time of growing global and local interest in mental health in the workplace. The World Health Organization has classified "job burnout" as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic stress that has not been successfully managed. Locally, this trend aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life Program, which focus on creating stimulating and healthy work environments that enhance the efficiency of government employees and ensure their continued productivity without depleting their mental and physical energy.
Smart tactics for saying "no" diplomatically
Dr. Jaber outlined a range of practical tactics for saying "no" politely and firmly, warning against the psychological consequences of trying to please everyone. He presented a roadmap for diplomatic refusal that includes:
- Requesting time to think: to avoid a hasty response under pressure.
- Refusal coupled with justification: Using logic to explain why the request cannot be fulfilled.
- Offering alternatives: Presenting other solutions or practical proposals to the other party, thus transforming the situation from outright rejection to constructive cooperation.
- Using softening language tools: such as using the corrective word “but” to lessen the severity of the rejection.
The lecture concluded by emphasizing that the conscious distinction between commendable courtesy and harmful conformity is the key to maintaining mental comfort and efficient job performance.
