Can you say “no” to your boss and keep your job? 

[UPDATE: Unfortunately, we need to postpone this luncheon. Registrants are being notified about their refunds. We'll let you know when it's rescheduled. We apologize for any inconvenience.]

One of the most difficult challenges a professional can face is telling a boss “no” when the boss is already thinking “yes.” Complex systems of getting the job done, paired with ethical considerations, can lead to situations when you need to tell your boss “no.” Learning from the experiences of others is one key to success. Another is to practice “no” techniques that allow you to become a trusted advisor long before the need to say “no” presents itself.

• Thursday, Nov. 19 at Brio Tuscan Grill (502 Nichols Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112)
• Networking begins at 7:30 am program at 8:00 am

• Questions? Contact Jody Donohue, VP-Professional Development

Ticket costs:

• $25 for members; $35 for non-members 
• After Nov. 15: $30 for members; $40 for non-members
• No refunds given after Nov. 15

About the presenters:  Dr. Tricia Hansen – Horn and Tom Heapes, APR

Dr. Tricia Hansen-Horn is a full professor and public relations program coordinator at the University of Central Missouri. She’s spent the last 17 years at UCM building the public relations program’s reputation and developing professional ties that take students from the classroom into the industry before graduation.

Specializing in strategic planning, campaign development and pedagogy, she serves as a PRSA CEPR review team member and is the author of two books:Strategic Planning for PR: The Journey Begins and Public Relations: From Theory to Practice. Hansen-Horn earned a Ph.D. from Purdue University.

“As the long-time coordinator of the UCM PR Program and lead for its recent certification success, I have had plenty of opportunities that demanded I tell my boss, ‘no’,” Hansen-Horn said.

Tom Heapes, APR is an Associate Professor who began his career as a broadcast journalist and moved into public relations positions in the agency, pharmaceutical and energy sectors. He continues to consult in addition to teaching, serving as a senior communications consultant for Trozzolo Communications Group.

Heapes developed and teaches UCM's popular Electronic and Social Media for Public Relations class, as well as classes focused on crisis communication, media relations and public relations writing. He is active in the Public Relations Society of America and is a past president of the Greater Kansas City PRSA Chapter, and is accredited through the Public Relations Society of America. Heapes earned his master's degree in Speech and his bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

“I have had plenty of experience finding myself in situations that, because of changing circumstances and ethical implications, ‘no’ was the better option,” Heapes said.