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Saying “no” when your boss asks you to take on an extra task is undoubtedly challenging, but sometimes, it’s necessary.

Here’s how to decide whether to say no—and how to do it tactfully.

First, take a day to think about whether the task will help or hurt you. Ask yourself a few questions:

1. Will I learn something new or gain experience by saying yes?
2. Does this task align with my future career goals?
3. What experiences will I miss out on if I say yes to this task?
4. Am I already feeling overwhelmed?

The answers to these questions will inform whether you’re able to take on the extra work.

Next, don’t just say no—explain why you’re saying it. If you’ve determined that you just can’t say yes to your boss’s request, be transparent about why.

Perhaps you can’t finish the task or project within the required timeframe, you don’t feel you have the resources to do the work successfully, or you’ll have to neglect other key responsibilities to get it done.

Whatever your reasoning, explain it. If you have data to make your case, include it. If your manager still needs you to complete the work, they should adjust your priorities—and their expectations—accordingly.

Read the full article here.