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Steven Claes - The A+ Introvert – Quiet No, Big Respect: The Boundary Move Leaders Notice
Guard your focus, keep the trust, and skip the guilt.
Steven Claes
June 07, 2025 • Reading Time: 5 minutes
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Hi!
In today’s edition, we utilize that quiet power: saying "No" without guilt.
At 4:45 PM yesterday:
“Steven, urgent advice needed!”
Old me? A reflexive “Sure!” and a ruined evening.
New move? Two breaths. One reply:
“Tonight’s fully booked. I’ll prioritize this tomorrow at 10 AM, or here’s a quick summary if you’re on deadline.”
Result: One boundary set. Zero resentment. 100% respect retained.
Today’s Focus
A firm No > a tired Yes
3-step Boundary Buffer
Respect grows when you protect focus
Why Boundaries Beat Burnout
A six-year Harvard study of 27 CEOs found that the leaders who carved out protected blocks of uninterrupted “deep-work” time got more strategic work done.
Still, 72% of professionals overcommit to avoid seeming rude, triggering:
17% slower decision-making in teams
29% drop in perceived reliability when deadlines slip
Introverts have an edge here, we prefer depth over noise.
The 3-Step A+ Introvert Boundary Buffer
Step 1. Pause (10s)
Purpose: Stop the quick ‘Yes.’
How: Breathe, make eye contact.
Why it matters: Signals you think before you speak.
Your script: “Let me check my priorities first.”
Step 2. The Frame (20s)
Purpose: State your limit.
How: I’d love to help + [Boundary] + [Reason that benefits THEM]”
Example: “I’d love to advise, but I’m finalizing Q3 projections until Thursday. Would Friday AM work? That timing ensures I give this the focus it deserves.”
Why it matters: Clear boundaries boost perceived competence by 41% vs vague replies.
Step 3. The Trust-Building Offer (20s)
Purpose: Keep trust high.
How: Suggest a time slot or resource.
Why it matters: Shows you’re a team player, not a wall.
Options (pick one):
Alternative timeline: “How about Monday at 9?”
Delegation: “Sam handled this brilliantly for Team X, want me to loop them in?”
Impact: Teams rate leaders who offer solutions as highly collaborative.
Quiet Fuel of the Week
Type | Pick | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
Tool | Outlook “Delay Send.” | Train others to expect replies in your focus windows. |
Read | Short lessons on choosing less but better. | |
Watch | 4-min clip “The Power of No” William Ury | William Ury explains how to say ‘No’ in order to ‘Get to Yes.’ |
The Challenge
Pick one request and:
Pause 10 seconds (silence your inner people-pleaser)
Frame your limit (“I can’t commit until…")
Offer an alternative (template/time/delegate)
On Friday, drop a line in the comments or hit reply: “Using the Boundary Buffer freed up ______.”
First response scores a free 30-minute boundary-coaching call.
What’s Next
Energy Budgeting
Map your peak hours so work fits life, not the other way round.
Final Thoughts
Try it this week.
Then hit reply and tell me what your boundary saved, one sentence is plenty.
Remember, every ‘No’ redirects energy to your ‘Hell Yes!’
— Steven
P.S. Forward this email to a teammate who’s still drowning in “yeses.” Quiet wins are better shared!
P.P.S. Want daily advice on career & leadership insights? Click here to reach out and join my network.
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