Don't be Fooled: When "Yes" Actually Means "No"

Описание: 5 “Yes” Responses That Actually Mean “No” at Work (and in Life) | Have That Talk

Dawn from Have That Talk explains that many “No” responses in the workplace and in life are disguised as “Yes,” and breaks down five common types.
The Ghost Yes looks like agreement in the moment but turns into silence and forgotten follow-ups. The Conditional Yes offers support only if certain conditions or approvals are met, which can keep shifting and ultimately prevent action.
The Referral Yes sends an idea to committees or multiple stakeholders for sign-off, creating a slow approval chase that signals there may be no real yes.
The Downgraded Yes starts with praise and apparent approval, but the idea is gradually diluted and reshaped until it no longer resembles the original concept.
The Outsourced No happens when someone reacts positively face-to-face but raises concerns behind the scenes so a higher-up delivers the rejection. Dawn explains this happens because saying “No” has a high social cost and varies by organisational and cultural norms, and encourages viewers to observe how “Yes” and “No” are communicated and notice how often a hidden “No” shows up in meetings and conversations.

00:00 Disguised Nos Intro
00:37 Ghost Yes Signals
01:37 Conditional Yes Traps
02:27 Referral No Committees
03:14 Downgraded Yes Dilution
04:19 Outsourced No Escalation
05:21 Why People Avoid No
05:56 Invitation to Observe Your Environment