4. Calculate risks of saying, "NO." Test requester's reaction by delaying your final decision on your refusal. Test system by conducting an informal survey with a control 'Yes' group compared with an experimental 'No' group and assess consequences.

5. Say, "NO" and duck which is a paraphrase of the, "Do It and Duck" strategy followed by some bureaucrats. This, of course depends on situation: (a) stakes are not high, (b) you've noted few results when doing previous tasks, or (c) you're feeling frustrated with repeated and insincere requests.

6. Ask yourself, "What's worst thing that can happen to you or to others?" This could include follow-up to ducking method suggested above. You can always pretend not to hear (a common technique with seniors.)

7. There's always escape hatch, "I'll consider (or I may be in a different position) AFTER I complete Project X." Be honest by ensuring your inner thoughts are honest. Appear to be honest (recall survey method in item 4 above) by checking your usage frequency.

Q. Does opening a new branch office, plant or facility create havoc?

A. Expanding your operations to new locations will test limits of your policies and procedures. Did you know that franchises are four times more likely to survive than a start-up primarily because they have a well defined operations manual? Are you running your business like franchises run theirs?

Q. Is your family happy with your work life?

A. If your business demands too many hours, too much stress, and too little quality time with your family and friends, then you should do something about it. A well defined system of standard operating procedures can allow you take a vacation without worry, increase sales with ease, add people to fill demand, and open new offices without trouble. Then your family will be happiest on block.