Being a software engineer often means that you are in the job of fending off well-meaning, but unreasonable requests from clients on a continual basis. Learnin

Being a software engineer often means that you are in the job of fending off well-meaning, but unreasonable requests from clients on a continual basis. Learning how to say "No" repeatedly without coming across as lazy or a jerk is an extremely important skill. I read "The Power of a Positive No" by William Ury (of "Getting to Yes" fame) looking for wisdom in that area. Now, I recommend it to every engineer (and manager) that I know. If everyone read Ury's books, the world would be a much happier, smoother-running place.