87: Hey Ops Exec, Do You Need to Say 'No' More?

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/87.

Most ops leaders I know have a hard time saying no. They don’t want to let people down and just know what needs to be done. It can feel easier, even automatic, to just step in to handle it. But that’s how you end up carrying everyone else’s load.

It may sound counterintuitive, but your ability to say “no” is directly tied to your success as a leader. Research shows that leaders who manage their energy and set clear boundaries are more effective, especially during change.*

Still, so many ops leaders get stuck taking on too much, especially in transition times, assuming good leadership means always being a bigger buffer than you need to be.

In this episode, you’ll get a simple, practical way to set boundaries that actually stick so you can protect your energy and say “no” without guilt. 

Transcript

Most ops leaders I know have a hard time saying ‘no’. They don’t want to let people down and just know what needs to be done. It can feel easier, even automatic, to just step in to handle it. But that’s how you end up carrying everyone else’s load.

It may sound counterintuitive, but your ability to say ‘no’ is directly tied to your success as a leader. Research shows that leaders who manage their energy and set clear boundaries are more effective, especially during change.*

Still, so many ops leaders get stuck taking on too much, especially in transition times, assuming good leadership means always being a bigger buffer than you need to be.

In this episode, you’ll get a simple, practical way to set boundaries that actually stick so you can protect your energy and say ‘no’ without guilt. Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/87.

Hey Ops Execs, 

Why Boundaries Matter for Ops Leaders During Change

I’ll be honest: I used to try to be everywhere at once. Work, home, you name it. Spoiler: it didn’t end well. I had to learn to say ‘no’ the hard way. And even now, I still mess this up sometimes. Just last week, I agreed to something I knew I shouldn’t. Old habits die hard.

Here’s the thing: I know how strong that sense of responsibility is, especially when you’re running operations. When something needs to get done, you’re often the first to step up. That’s admirable, but it can also leave you running on empty, with nothing left for the strategic thinking your role actually requires.

Burning out isn’t a badge of honor. It doesn’t prove you care more or work harder, and honestly, it’s no guarantee things won’t fall through the cracks. If anything, running on empty makes it more likely something important will get missed. Burnout is just a sign you’re doing too much without the boundaries that protect your energy and effectiveness.

How to Protect Your Energy and Avoid Burnout in Operations

And here’s something I wish more ops leaders heard: Honor your nervous system. If you notice tension, exhaustion, or that ‘always on’ feeling, that’s your body’s way of asking for a reset. Leadership isn’t just a mental game. It’s about learning to tune in to what your body needs, too. Trust yourself to know when it’s time to step back and protect your energy.

I once worked with someone who was literally available 24/7 during a major company transition. He thought saying yes to everything was the responsible thing to do. Unfortunately, by trying to do it all, he was actually slowing his team down as a bottleneck, keeping them from trusting themselves. And he was missing the big-picture decisions that only he could make.

Simple Boundary-Setting Tips for Operations Executives

So, what can you do? Start small. Set or reset one boundary that protects your energy or thinking time. Maybe it’s “no emails after 7pm,” or blocking time for strategy. And it’s good to announce your new boundary to your team, something like: “To bring my best, this is how I’ll be structuring my time moving forward.” 

If you need a script for saying ‘no,’ my go-to is: “Sorry, my calendar just burst into flames.” Works every time, at least with colleagues you know well.

If the request is coming from someone above you, try something like: “I’m at capacity right now and can’t take this on without dropping something else. What should we prioritize?” Either way…

Setting boundaries is about protecting your energy so you can do your best work.

If you feel that knot in your stomach every time you set a boundary, I get it. That fear that things might fall apart without you? It’s real. But so is the risk of running yourself into the ground. Ignoring your own needs will only leave you exhausted and running on fumes. 

So boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re what allow you to keep showing up for the work and the people that matter most.

I’ll leave you with this question: What boundary, if you honored it consistently, would most transform your leadership, and your life, right now?

If you’re noodling on how to get better about setting boundaries and saying ‘no’, don’t miss episode 67. You’ll get actionable advice on owning your schedule and finding success in operations without falling into the people-pleasing trap. Find it at yourfuturerealized.com/67.

You can’t stop the chaos, but you can change the game.

*Reference: McKinsey & Company. “The State of Organizations 2023: Ten shifts transforming organizations.” 2023.
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-state-of-organizations-2023

Note: This report highlights the importance of energy management, boundary-setting, and self-care for leadership effectiveness, especially during organizational change.