No is a complete sentence.

Sam: Could we continue executing on these steps?

You: Sorry, Sam. I'd love to help more, but I just don't have the time right now.

This is true, still appropriately polite, but direct enough to establish your boundary.

If you have a hard time saying "no", make it a habit to never promise anything significant right away. Let's say, Sam asks you in person or on the phone. Then a conversation could go like this:

Sam: Could we do this or that part of my work together?

You: Thanks for asking. Let me check my schedule and get back to you tomorrow at the latest.

Then check your schedule. Make a realistic assessment of your priorities and workload. Whenever convenient (don't let yourself be rushed), but at the latest on the next day, tell Sam what help, if any, he can expect when. If he needs more help, he needs to ask your boss to ease your workload in the meantime.

No is a complete sentence.

Sam: Could we continue executing on these steps?

You: Sorry, Sam. I'd love to help more, but I just don't have the time right now.

This is true, still appropriately polite, but direct enough to establish your boundary.

If you have a hard time saying "no", make it a habit to never promise anything significant right away. Let's say, Sam asks you in person or on the phone. Then a conversation could go like this:

Sam: Could we do this or that part of my work together?

You: Thanks for asking. Let me check my schedule and get back to you tomorrow at the latest.

Then check your schedule. Make a realistic assessment of your priorities and workload. Whenever convenient (don't let yourself be rushed), but at the latest on the next day, tell Sam what help, if any, he can expect when. If he needs more help than you can provide, but you really want to help him further, ask your boss if you can reprioritize some tasks or get extra resources to help Sam. Be specific about what will need to wait for how long or what resources you need. Tell Sam that you need to discuss with your Boss first.

No is a complete sentence.

Sam: Could we continue executing on these steps?

You: Sorry, Sam. I'd love to help more, but I just don't have the time right now.

This is true, still appropriately polite, but direct enough to establish your boundary.

No is a complete sentence.

Sam: Could we continue executing on these steps?

You: Sorry, Sam. I'd love to help more, but I just don't have the time right now.

This is true, still appropriately polite, but direct enough to establish your boundary.

If you have a hard time saying "no", make it a habit to never promise anything significant right away. Let's say, Sam asks you in person or on the phone. Then a conversation could go like this:

Sam: Could we do this or that part of my work together?

You: Thanks for asking. Let me check my schedule and get back to you tomorrow at the latest.

Then check your schedule. Make a realistic assessment of your priorities and workload. Whenever convenient (don't let yourself be rushed), but at the latest on the next day, tell Sam what help, if any, he can expect when. If he needs more help, he needs to ask your boss to ease your workload in the meantime.