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Telling a leader “we can’t” rarely goes well. This playbook helps you respond to unrealistic requests by showing the risk and offering choices, so the decision becomes a shared one and the relationship stays strong.
INSIDE THE PLAYBOOK (1 page)
A 3-step framework: Align, Show the Risk, Offer Choices
Two-minute prep so you walk in clear
Real wording for the hardest part
A short checklist for your next move
THE COMPANION TOOL: Trade-Off Conversation Planner (4 pages)
Helps you define the request and the real constraint, calculate the risk, lay out trade-offs, prepare your recommendation and message, and plan for pushback.
USE THIS WHEN
A deadline that feels impossible
Resources don’t match expectations
Scope keeps increasing
You need to negotiate priorities
YOU’LL KNOW IT’S WORKING WHEN
Leadership understands the constraints
Risks are clearly communicated
The relationship remains strong
WHAT YOU GET
Instant download: one zip file with three print-ready PDFs (US Letter). The playbook, the Trade-Off Conversation Planner, and a one-page Before You Begin guide.
Telling a leader “we can’t” rarely goes well. This playbook helps you respond to unrealistic requests by showing the risk and offering choices, so the decision becomes a shared one and the relationship stays strong.
INSIDE THE PLAYBOOK (1 page)
A 3-step framework: Align, Show the Risk, Offer Choices
Two-minute prep so you walk in clear
Real wording for the hardest part
A short checklist for your next move
THE COMPANION TOOL: Trade-Off Conversation Planner (4 pages)
Helps you define the request and the real constraint, calculate the risk, lay out trade-offs, prepare your recommendation and message, and plan for pushback.
USE THIS WHEN
A deadline that feels impossible
Resources don’t match expectations
Scope keeps increasing
You need to negotiate priorities
YOU’LL KNOW IT’S WORKING WHEN
Leadership understands the constraints
Risks are clearly communicated
The relationship remains strong
WHAT YOU GET
Instant download: one zip file with three print-ready PDFs (US Letter). The playbook, the Trade-Off Conversation Planner, and a one-page Before You Begin guide.