How to apologize for the inability to do something 

“As much as I would like to help you, I’m not in a position to offer you any assistance.”

“I’m sorry, <Name> I’d love to help out, but my calendar is booked that day.”

“Thank you for thinking of me for this project. Unfortunately, my team and I are at capacity and wouldn’t be able to start your project until the beginning of next year.”

See also:

  • 🙅🏼‍♀️ How to apologize for something outside of your control
  • ⛔ How to set boundaries

Start Here

  • CONGRATULATIONS, you legend, you! You know your boundaries, and you’re ready to express them.
  • Depending on the request and who is asking, declining requests can come in all forms: email, text, phone, LinkedIn message, or carrier pigeon.
    • Reasonable requests deserve respectful refusals.
    • Requests from bosses and authority figures (even unreasonable ones) require a very careful, detailed, logic-based response.
    • Unreasonable requests are often not worth the dignity or time of a response.
  • Not everyone deserves an explanation of why you can’t do something for them.
  • If possible and appropriate, offer an alternative. Showing someone you’re making an effort to meet them halfway is a great goodwill builder.

Talking Points

  • Hello <Name>, I’m terribly sorry, but I cannot do what you ask.
  • I know you really want me to <describe what they want from you>.
  • Unfortunately, I’m unable to do that because <a very high-level description of why you can’t do it. Unless this is a boss or client, in which case, be prepared to offer a more in-depth explanation>.
  • What I can offer/ what I can do is <description of alternative>. How does that sound?

Latest

Say No

How to accept a job offer

Thank you so much for this opportunity!I look forward...

How to ask for feedback

How to disagree (respectfully) with your boss's feedback How to...

How to ask for participation in a survey

Talking Points I wanted to let you know that you...

Newsletter

Don't miss

Say No

How to accept a job offer

Thank you so much for this opportunity!I look forward...

How to ask for feedback

How to disagree (respectfully) with your boss's feedback How to...

How to ask for participation in a survey

Talking Points I wanted to let you know that you...

How to disagree (respectfully) with your boss’s feedback

One of the hardest lessons to learn in life...

Say No

How to accept a job offer

Thank you so much for this opportunity!I look forward to working with you and meeting the rest of the team.I’m excited to geek out...

How to ask for feedback

How to disagree (respectfully) with your boss's feedback How to give feedback How to give a recommendation “To become more effective and fulfilled at work, people need...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here