Write a brief response for these office situations. Remember, you do not want to alienate your co-workers.

1. Turn down a request to volunteer. (What are some responses that almost guarantee getting recruited?)

2. Turn down a request to contribute to a fund-raiser.

3. Ask a colleague who loves to spread hurtful gossip to please stop sharing it with you.

4. Ask a colleague to wipe her sweat off the piece of equipment she has been using before you in the company gym.

5. Ask colleagues to refrain from using their electronic devices during your meeting.

6. Ask a colleague to take down an unflattering picture of you from his Facebook page.

7. Turn down a lunch request from a colleague who has already asked you several times before.