🎯 Objective: Understand why boundaries matter and learn strategies to set them effectively.
So you can play and practice saying no.
To help you visualize it in a fun wat, we created the no styles playing card deck you can play out through your day!
It’s a simple role-playing game, where you and a partner take up roles in a fictional setting, creating a situation to practice the different kinds of ‘NO’. Why so many types of ‘NO’? Different ways of saying ‘NO’ can feel safer, while still being respectful, clear, and firm. Although it’s not always necessary to give a reason, providing context can help build a safe, trusting, and mutually supportive relationship.
Exercise:
1. Check out the ‘NO’ cards here.
2. Decide your roles, who is the one who requests, and who plays the no card
3. Play
Boss: Hey [name here]! Can you do me a quick favour? I know it is 5pm, but can you please whip up a summary deck for the new program so I can present it to the board tomorrow? It shouldn’t take long!
You: [Acknowledge the request, and repeat back what you heard] To make sure I understand correctly, you are asking for me to…
Boss: Yes, that is what I want.
You: [Select your ‘no’ card and play it here!]
Boss: Hmm…but I really need it by tomorrow! It’s urgent! Can’t you just do it?
You: [Repeat your boundary]
Boss: [Provide relevant reply here]
4. Switch roles
5. Reflect: How did it feel? What worked?
