The Power of a Positive No

How to Say No and Still Get to Yes

By: William Ury

Narrated by: William Ury

Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

No is perhaps the most important and certainly the most powerful word in the language. Every day we find ourselves in situations where we need to say no: to people at work, at home, and in our communities; because no is the word we must use to protect ourselves and to stand up for everything and everyone that matters to us.

But as we all know, the wrong no can also destroy what we most value by alienating and angering people. That's why saying no the right way is crucial. The secret to saying no without destroying relationships lies in the art of the Positive No, a proven technique that anyone can learn.

This indispensable audiobook will give you a simple three-step method for saying a Positive No. It will show you how to assert and defend your key interests; how to make your no firm and strong; how to resist the other side's aggression and manipulation; and how to do all this while still getting to yes. In the end, the Positive No will help you get not just to any yes but to the right yes, the one that truly serves your interests.

Based on William Ury's celebrated Harvard University course for managers and professionals, The Power of a Positive No offers concrete advice and practical examples for saying no in virtually any situation. Whether you need to say no to your customer or your coworker, your employee or your CEO, your child or your spouse, you will find in this book the secret to saying no clearly, respectfully, and effectively.

In today's world of high stress and limitless choices, the pressure to give in and say yes grows greater every day, producing overload and overwork, expanding e-mail and eroding ethics. Never has no been more needed. A Positive No has the power to profoundly transform our lives by enabling us to say yes to what counts: our own needs, values, and priorities.

©2007 William Ury (P)2007 Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"His reminders to consider the other person's perspective while asserting your own position create a clear, unambiguous path to win-win situations." (Publishers Weekly)

we can all strive to impove

applicable in both life and work. it's a quick and easy listen that is impactful

Great book for pushovers! Only No book u will need

Amazing book! it's a thick one with alot of information. it took me a month or more to finish reading. it's not that it was boring but I do wish the author used a couple less examples. but other than that no complaints. Will does an amazing job and explaining how to get to a Positve no. guys listen to me! this is the only book u will need to learn how to say No! get this book u wont regret it. just be patient, listen and learn.

Fantastic

Once again, William Ury shows us that there is always a way to get to an agreement if we approach it tactfully. There are a ton of nuggets in this book and it can truly help you see that it's ok to say no. in fact, we should be saying no more often so we can give more of ourselves to our family, our health, and our relationships. Big-time recommend.

WoW!

When I started this book I was immersed into the best self help enlightening experience ever, Easy steps to give a person firepower in negotiating life daily task and interaction with work, family and personal feelings. Narrator was very friendly and easy to understand. Task given were quick and concise I WILL listen to this book again and apply it to my life!

Profoundly powerful

Would you listen to The Power of a Positive No again? Why?

I have been listening to it over and over again to allow the concepts, principles, and its accompanying applicable, real stories to sink in and help me to become a non-contentious, yet non-doormat human being.

Which scene was your favorite?

Each story that he used to illustrate a point was powerful and pertinent and a real life situation.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended. I love his seasoned, kind, wise voice of reason. Had to get the book also after hearing it. Too many treasures in the book that I don't want to miss.

Stop Trying to Do it All

I enjoyed this read. It helped me realize it'sokay to say "NO." Also, by saying "NO" I can relieve undo stress and anxiety in my life.

Great book on management, etc.

Where does The Power of a Positive No rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Great book on management, etc.
Going to read his other books now.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Power of a Positive No?

Great book on management, etc.
Going to read his other books now.

helpful, insightful, mature, and truely fantastic

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

this book is based on respect and written from thorough knowledge. i am so glad that i read it, and would recommend it to everyone.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

This should be required reading for everyone. Key skillset in attaining mastery in relationships. Up until now, I'd always struggled (and often failed) to say No to something I didn't want to do just because I didn't want to jeopardize my relationship with the person who requested something of me. The Power of a Positive No lays out exactly how to respectfully say No to an undesirable request, suggestion or behaviour while at the same time, strengthening the relationship too. Thank you William Ury. This was incredible!

Great content

The value brought forth by this book is tremendous, but the author delivers it at a rather boring tone.