Saying yes Quote by Michael Bungay Stanier
““What gets us into trouble is how quickly we commit, without fully understanding what we’re getting ourselves into or even why we’re being asked. Saying Yes more slowly means being willing to stay curious before committing. Which means asking more questions: Why are you asking me? Whom else have you asked? When you say this is urgent, what do you mean? According to what standard does this need to be completed? By when? If I couldn’t do all of this, but could do just a part, what part would you have me do? What do you want me to take off my plate so I can do this?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stanier, 2016
Rushing into commitments without full understanding leads to trouble; pausing to ask probing questions fosters clarity and better decisions.
In simple terms: Think before saying yes, ask why.
Key Takeaway
Pause, ask clarifying questions before committing.
Themes
decision-making
communication
leadership
Mood
thoughtful
strategic
Type
leadership
coaching
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- project planning
- client negotiations
Key Concepts
curiosity
commitment
questioning
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions are you making when you say yes?
- How can you balance curiosity with timely decisions?
A Different Perspective
Over‑analysis can delay action and cause missed opportunities.
