Christine R Williams
Leadership and Executive Development
IF YOU DON'T ASK, THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS NO
From Stories that Hold You Back to Skills that Drive Success
by Christine R Williams
It’s no accident that NASA consistently ranks as one of the best places to work in the Federal Government. Developing technical expertise is a given, but what many don’t know is that the Agency takes the development of its leaders just as seriously. As the designer of many of NASA’s most successful agency-wide leadership development programs, Chris shares with you the powerful tools and techniques that have helped thousands of leaders in government and industry shift their mindset, build new skills and achieve their goals. With her step-by-step process, backed in neuroscience, Chris shares over 30 years of experience through her own unique blend of wisdom and humor. If You Don’t Ask the Answer is Always No, is not just for leaders, but for anyone who feels frustrated and ready to leave behind the old stories and negative thinking habits that are keeping them from achieving what is truly important in their lives.
All human beings live in story. And this is the starting place for success and happiness. Do we really believe we can get what we want in life or are other voices in our mind holding us back? We will start by looking at some of the most common stories that hold us back to help you see how these negative narratives are just stories and how you can change them to more powerful ones—stories that empower you and move you forward.
Once you eliminate what is holding you back, the next step is to lean into that forward momentum. Through my step-by-step process you will have the opportunity to define what is truly important to you and what will make you happy. You will also receive strategies and develop skills that not only put you on the right track but help you become skilled at asking for and getting the support you need from others to succeed.
I believe that within each of us is a spark just waiting to be released into the world to help us realize our greater selves, to build meaningful connections and to use our gifts in a positive way. Whether you are in an official leadership position or not, everyone has the capacity to influence and therefore lead a great many people through their example. I hope this book helps illuminate your spark and helps you light that spark in the people in your life. I wish you great success.
Early Praise for
IF YOU DON'T ASK, THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS NO
“Chris’s book came at an opportune time, as I was in a professional dilemma. (I wanted to end a long-term project to make space in my schedule for a new and more meaningful role.) I felt weighed down with SHOULDS, felt a good dose of guilt, fearing disappointing others, and resentment for being ‘held back.’ Certainly not an empowering position to make choices. In the first few chapters, it felt like Chris was inside my head as a trusted advisor and master coach urging me to take a closer look at my stories making up the proverbial wringer I was dragging myself through! Thanks to her kind and direct style, I used her activities to patiently create a deeper satisfaction as I reformulated my personal vision. Priceless!”
—Carol Courcy, Author of Save Your Inner Tortoise
“Christine Williams brings a tremendous gravitas and depth of knowledge to her work, making complex ideas available to anyone through her speaking and writing. She connects with her audience through her authentic approach, while bringing humor and fun to keep our attention and leave us wanting more.”
— Lisa Saunders, Co-Founder & CEO, Arnie’s Recon
“In this insightful work, Christine Williams has been able to zero in on the many doubts and fears that plague so many of us long after we should have outgrown them. The stories she uses to describe key fear scenarios helped me to connect with my own stories. I especially appreciate the way she ended with helpful tools that can lead us all to a positive ending.”
—Ingrid Bens, Author of Facilitating with Ease
Continued Praise for
IF YOU DON'T ASK, THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS NO
“Christine’s book is wonderfully written, filled with professional insights and personal experiences, and delivered with sensitivity and humor. She has changed the career trajectory of so many executives and senior managers, empowering them with the creative tools and language needed to effectively lead others and achieve their maximum goals.”
—Victoria R. Thorne, Former Director, Career Management, NASA Headquarters
"Highly practical, wise, and impactful book with powerful exercises that will help every leader who wishes to move to the next stage do better. Highly recommend it!”
—Magdalena Bak-Maier, Author of Get Productive! and The Get Productive Grid
I just finished reading your new book and I had to write to tell you that I think it is superb.It is an easy read for someone who just wants to get the themes, but I found it to be very deep and worth diving in and trying the exercises. In spite of spending a second career working in a lot of these areas, I discovered new and valuable insights.
- Fred Simon
