logo
episode-header-image
May 26
36m 11s

How to say no (from WorkLife with Adam G...

TED
About this episode

In a world filled with requests, many of us are struggling to stay afloat. Even if you’re not a people-pleaser, the desire to maintain a positive reputation can make it hard to turn others down. In this episode, Adam explores the art and science of delivering an effective “no.” He highlights strategies for setting boundaries with others to create space for yourself—and healthier relationships with those around you.


This episode originally aired April 29, 2025.


For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcripts

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts


For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
Everything Can't Be Priority One | from At Work with The Ready
We talk a lot about doing less to get more—but in practice, most organizations end up doing the opposite. When priorities pile up, and nothing gets removed or finished, the result is a familiar kind of chaos: too many projects, too little focus, and an endless loop of adding more ... Show More
45m 4s
Aug 18
Mellody Hobson on taking tough feedback | from ReThinking with Adam Grant
Criticism rarely comes wrapped in a shiny gift box, tied with a bow. As a trailblazing leader, one of Mellody Hobson’s gifts is finding the diamond in the rough. She and Adam unpack how to look for the grain of truth in any critique, when to discount feedback, and what it takes t ... Show More
37m 45s
Aug 11
Best of Design Matters: Gloria Steinem | from Design Matters
For over sixty years, Gloria Steinem has been at the center of American culture and political life, where she has been instrumental in shaping our ideas about feminism, humanity, and equal rights for all people. She joins to talk about her legendary career as an award-winning jou ... Show More
1h 14m
Recommended Episodes
May 25
Sunday Pick: How to say no | WorkLife with Adam Grant
In a world filled with requests, many of us are struggling to stay afloat. Even if you’re not a people-pleaser, the desire to maintain a positive reputation can make it hard to turn others down. In this episode, Adam explores the art and science of delivering an effective “no.” H ... Show More
36m 46s
Aug 10
Sunday Pick: Protecting your time with Linda Babcock | WorkLife with Adam Grant
In this season of WorkLife, we’re pairing each of our regular episodes with a companion interview to do a deeper dive into the topic. This is the deeper dive for our episode on how to say no. Linda Babcock is a professor emerita of economics at Carnegie Mellon and co-author of “T ... Show More
36m 20s
Jun 3
WorkLife: The psychology of forgiveness with Michael McCullough
In this season of WorkLife, we’re pairing each of our regular episodes with a companion interview to do a deeper dive into the topic. This is the companion for our episode on the secrets of a great apology. Michael McCullough is a psychology professor at UC San Diego and a pionee ... Show More
29m 52s
Feb 2025
WorkLife: The importance of validation with therapist Caroline Fleck
Seeking acceptance is a natural part of the human experience — but do you know how to dish it out? Clinical psychologist Caroline Fleck believes that validating others is a key to building stronger relationships. She and Adam discuss strategies for recognizing another person’s fe ... Show More
37m 17s
Jan 2023
#211: What To Do Next?
We've been on a bit of a streak of culture and career discussions, which means we want to assure you that Tim is not actually tied up in a basement with no access to our content calendar. Actually, in this episode, Tim plopped down on the therapy couch as a vessel for the wisdom ... Show More
55m 23s
Aug 10
Sunday Pick: Protecting your time with Linda Babcock | WorkLife with Adam Grant
In this season of WorkLife, we’re pairing each of our regular episodes with a companion interview to do a deeper dive into the topic. This is the deeper dive for our episode on how to say no. Linda Babcock is a professor emerita of economics at Carnegie Mellon and co-author of “T ... Show More
36m 20s
Apr 2024
#2663 - Q&A: “How do I launch a successful educational podcast for kids?”
In today's episode, we dive into the world of educational storytelling through podcasting. Discover how to blend entertainment with learning, and find the best ways to reach and engage your audience.Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case stud ... Show More
4m 24s
Oct 2024
#2838 - Q&A: “How can I diversify my side income streams?”
In this episode, we discuss how to diversify your freelance income to create a more resilient business or side hustle.Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case studies of people who earn extra money without quitting their job. This year, the sho ... Show More
5m 51s
May 2024
Dan Pena. Episode 715 with The Real Brad Lea (TRBL)
 In today’s truly special episode, today I am welcoming the man himself,  the raw and unfiltered Dan Pena, also known as the Trillion Dollar Man. Dan’s story is as extraordinary as his nickname suggests. Kicking things off, Dan shared his journey from his tough upbringing to beco ... Show More
1h 21m
Nov 2024
Sunday Pick: How to change your workplace | WorkLife with Adam Grant
Each Sunday, TED shares an episode of another podcast we think you'll love, handpicked for you… by us. It's hard to make change at work happen. But wherever you sit in the hierarchy, there are steps you can take to overcome resistance and motivate people to embrace new ideas. In ... Show More
34m 23s