"When you say no for someone else, you're deciding for them before they even have the chance to decide for themselves."
Early in my career, I learned a powerful lesson about giving people the opportunity to say yes. I was working as a park ranger when reached out to Lee Cockerell, the former Executive Vice President of Walt Disney World. At the time, I had no idea that a simple introduction would eventually lead to a lasting friendship and professional partnership. Meeting Lee taught me not to say “no” for other people.
For years I was hesitant to offer services, thinking someone might not be interested or couldn’t afford it. But I was saying no for them before they even had a chance to decide. One experience changed that mindset. A client once surprised me by enthusiastically agreeing to a higher-tier service I had assumed was out of their budget. It wasn’t about the price though. It was about the value they saw and the trust they had in the process. That moment taught me that we can’t predict what someone values or what they’re willing to invest in.
When we say no for others, we’re limiting more than just opportunities for ourselves. We are taking away a chance for them to benefit from something that could truly help them. Whether you’re offering a product, a service, or even an idea, don’t assume you know the answer. Give people the choice.
Opportunity often lies in the space where we’re willing to ask and let others decide. So, the next time you’re tempted to say “no” for someone else, pause. Extend the invitation. Ask the question. You might be surprised by the doors that open when you let others make their own decisions.
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Recently I was a keynote speaker for a conference for park professionals in the midwest. I spoke on Role and Purpose and how parks can thrive once they understand every job has a role to perform, and every role plays into the bigger purpose of the park.
Once I was off stage, many people came up to ask questions and talk about my topic. As a speaker, the biggest compliment you can get for your presentation is someone seeking you out to ask questions. When someone finds me to ask a question, I know I have made a connection.
After my morning keynote, and later in the day, I had the opportunity to talk to several people about Role and Purpose. Even the following day, the conversations continued.
A few weeks after my presentation, the event organizer sent me some reviews they collected directly from the app they used for the event.
As I read the reviews, I was feeling good as I saw comments like:
"The concept stuck with me, and I intend to apply that to our team."
"Love the concept."
"It was a good way to get people thinking. A lot of organizations don't have a purpose that is known by the whole team."
Then one review stuck out:
"I'm sure he is a nice guy, so I blame the person who picked him thinking he was appropriate for this audience. Just not good."
Wait a minute...
For a moment, this is all I focused on.
Do you ever get hung up on negative words from someone else? It doesn't matter how many compliments we get; we focus on the few negative comments.
Don't let it stop you. You are not for everyone.
If you let a negative review keep you from getting on stage, everyone else will miss out on your message.
At this conference, where many people come to learn about park operations, safety, and new equipment, not everyone wants to hear how they can be better leaders. That is fine. The topic is not for people who are fixed on how they do things. The topic is not for everyone.
I'm not for everyone. And neither are you.
Keep writing your blog. Keep recording your podcast. Keep creating YouTube videos. Keep creating, and know you are not for everyone.
You can find out more about the Perch at https://jodymaberry.com/perch