How to reject a feature request from a senior, as a Product Manager

It can be extremely stressful when an authority figure, like a manager or CEO, comes to you with a bad, even stupid idea that you should reject. Here are 8 ways how to say “no” effectively:

1) Force the CEO/manager into a discussion

Don’t just say “yes” or nod. If the CEO/manager wants you to do something, you need to do your due diligence. Having a conversation is the first reasonable step.

2) Ask for the reasoning

You need to understand what user/business problem does CEO/manager want to solve. Perhaps you can offer a better alternative? Or at least understand that the request is not that stupid from a wider perspective.

3) Ask for data

To have the request added as a task to the backlog, you need data to allow prioritization and to estimate the impact hypothesis. If the figure of authority gave you the request, perhaps it comes with some handy data. You wouldn’t act on an opinion, now would you?

4) Ask for time

If there is no data and no good reason, you will need time to look into this. Anything stupid on the surface can be a hidden gem (say the original premise of Twitter: Who would…