> I just don't respond any further. I give them the exact reason for the "no" and don't engage with the rest of their badgering. EVERYTHING else they will respo

> I just don't respond any further. I give them the exact reason for the "no" and don't engage with the rest of their badgering. EVERYTHING else they will respond with is an attempt to manipulate me into violating policy for their benefit, with no credit for me saving the day, yet all of the risk if I don't. I don't think this is really any better. Going unresponsive doesn't wind up improving anything. Not to say that you should cave, but a "if there are any questions or issues with the policy, please take it up with <manager>" let's the other person know that you're disengaging. Otherwise they're in a situation along the lines of "I asked how we could escalate, but I haven't heard back. I don't know if they haven't read my message yet or just aren't responding for some reason" If you're in this situation, there's a disconnect between policy and process that needs to be resolved. Let the management demonstrate their "leadership" skills.