Admit your leadership mistake to your team within 48 hours of discovering it — delay is later read as an attempt to hide it, not forgetfulness.

Repeat the same refusal in the same words calmly, no matter how the other person reshapes the pressure.

Say no in three sentences: thanks, refusal, closing — with no "sorry" or justification.

Memorize one 7-word refusal sentence and rehearse it until it emerges automatically under pressure.

Say "no, I can't" — complete sentence. No explanation, no apology.

When he opens sensitive topic, say "tell me more" vs reply.