Product Management playbook/Module 9 · Stakeholders

Day 84 / 100 · Stakeholders · Saying no to executives

No, but here’s what we can do.

A flat no rarely works with executives. Making the trade-off visible, then offering options, usually does.

Four Steps

1 · Acknowledge the goal

Show you understand what they're trying to achieve.

2 · Show the trade-off

What would slip if we said yes? Be specific.

3 · Offer options

A smaller version, a later date, or a swap.

4 · Let them choose

With the trade-offs clear, it's their call to make.

Make the trade-off visible. Let them choose.