Opt-out Strategy Implementation Guide

Because who needs to be in?

1.4 The Opt-out Strategy

Also known as the "I'm Not Doing It" strategy.

Step 1: Pretend you're interested.

Step 2: Say it's a "good time to focus on other projects."

Step 3: When asked for a reason, claim "it's not that important."

Step 4: Repeat step 2.

1.4.1 The Art of Nonverbal Communication

The key to success lies in the power of the silent treatment.

Example 1: The Glacial Pace Response

A response that says "I'll get back to you eventually." (Translation: "I'm not doing it.")

Example 2: The Sudden Disappearance

A response that says "I have a meeting" (Translation: "I'm gone, don't bother trying to reach me.")

Example 3: The Noncommittal Nod

A response that says "Mmm-hmm" (Translation: "I'm not doing it, but I'll pretend to be interested.")

See The Art of Nonverbal Communication Exercises for more examples.

1.4.2 The Opt-out Strategy Implementation Guide

This is the real meat of the matter.

Step 5: Repeat steps 1-4 until the project dies.

Step 6: Declare victory and move on to the next "opportunity."

You've reached the end of this guide. Congratulations, you're now a master of the Opt-out Strategy!

For more advanced techniques, see The Advanced Opt-out Strategies.