Why You Shouldn’t Take No for an Answer: Those Who Persist Win the Game
A famous Somali saying goes, “Nimaan Hadlin Habartii wax ma siiso,” meaning that if you don’t ask, even your mother will overlook you. This saying captures the essence of persistence and the importance of advocating for oneself. Some people possess the skill of presenting their case, arguing passionately until they achieve their desired outcome. On the other hand, some individuals accept an outcome without much resistance.
Generally speaking, those who readily accept outcomes without protest tend to have a fatalistic perspective. They believe that if something is meant to happen, it will inevitably occur, and they cannot alter that course. In contrast, those who fight for their cause and actively challenge decisions tend to possess an optimistic outlook. They firmly believe in their ability to influence or even change the outcome of any decision. They embody the thought process of not giving up without a fight.
Let me tell you a short story about two young men who faced the same decision. One accepted the decision as a fait accompli, while the other fought with energy and personal pleas and reversed the outcome.
Back in 2002, while I was studying for my undergraduate degree, I came across an opportunity advertised by a media company in London. Despite having only some of the qualifications and work experience they were seeking, I felt to try my luck. I convinced myself that if I could reach the interview stage, I would have a chance to persuade the panel of my worthiness as a candidate, despite my limited experience and qualifications.
The company was searching for an individual with a media degree and three years of experience who could analyse financial data and effectively communicate the analysis.
At the time, I was only in my second year of computer science degree and had no prior experience in the media sector, let alone three years’ worth of experience. However, I did have some experience in data analysis and believed that with the assistance of editors, I could effectively communicate. To make a long story short, I was shortlisted for an interview, and when I received that news, I felt just as confident as the other candidates. From a pool of five interviewees, it eventually narrowed down to three, then two. Against all odds, to my shock, I was offered the job.
This is where my story ends, and the stories of the other two individuals begin. After a year with the company, having become a competent analyst who could process data and communicate effectively, the company made the decision to let go of two junior data analysts. Although there was a possibility of retaining one, the decision was made to make both junior analysts redundant.
These two employees were both graduates and possessed four years of experience between them. When the employees received their termination letters, they were summoned to a meeting with a panel consisting of middle and senior managers. I had the opportunity to be in the room at the time of the meeting. Although I was not invited, nobody asked me to leave, so I stayed and observed the drama that unfolded before me.
The first employee, John, stepped forward. He was a history graduate, soft-spoken but highly skilled in his work. The decision was read out, and when he was asked if he had any questions, all he had to say was that he had dreamed of working for the company for a long time. However, if the management wanted him out, he accepted and respected their decision. With that simple response, his career with the company came to an end. They thanked him, and he left the room.
Next came Mike, a sociology graduate. He was stocky and self-assured, but based on my observations of his analytical skills, he was weaker than John. When he heard the decision, he cleared his throat and began reciting what appeared to be a poem. “I want you, the panel, to listen to me,” he said passionately. “I have worked here for two years, giving it my all. I am the first to arrive at the office and the last one to leave. This job means everything to me. My mother is ill, my father has left our family for another woman, and I am the sole earner in the household.
The rest are kids…” He continued pleading his case, emphasising his excellent communication skills and his ability to do more. As he passionately argued for himself, the room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.
He went on, expressing his uncertainty about what he would do if he were let go, mentioning his substantial investment in this job. “Please give me another chance,” he pleaded. After his heartfelt plea, the chair asked him to leave the room while they discussed his fate, based on his poetic fightback to stay.
One after another, the panel members expressed that he should be reinstated. They saw in him an optimist who never gave up. They called him back and informed him that he would be reinstated. The rest, as they say, is history. I left the company while he continued his journey with them.
The moral lesson of this story is clear: never give up, never take no for an answer, and always make a case for yourself. Since that day, I have never accepted a “no” without putting up a fight, and I encourage you to do the same. Of course, sometimes you win your case, and sometimes you lose, but you must fight back.
