*B. Say no, but reframe your refusal as a smart strategic choice.* How you say no matters. A flat “this will overwhelm our team” can sound negative. Instead, link your response to strategy and impact. For example: “We can take this on—but only if we pause X.” or “To do this well, we’d need to delay Y. What’s the bigger priority from your perspective?” Focus on what drives results, not what can’t be done. That shows sound judgment, not resistance. Read more: https://s.hbr.org/3Zs7bFM