This episode of Work Life with Adam Grant explores the difficulties of saying no and how to set boundaries in both personal and professional contexts. Adam Grant interviews Vanessa Bonds, an expert on the psychology of saying no, and Sherry Liu, founder of the Eldest Daughter Club, to discuss the pressures that lead to people-pleasing, particularly for women and those in caregiving roles. They discuss strategies for saying no effectively, such as explaining personal policies, conveying care, and offering referrals. The episode also touches on the importance of not only learning to say no but also for people to be more considerate in their requests, emphasizing that setting boundaries is an act of self-respect and self-preservation, illustrated through a revised version of "The Giving Tree."
