Let's do a short role-play. I am a vendor who has called your office five times this week asking about a proposal. Your executive has already decided not to pursue it and told you not to put me through. Show me what you would say to me on the phone now.

Situation

During my internship at a consulting firm, a vendor kept calling the office asking to follow up on a proposal. The managing partner had already rejected the proposal and told me not to transfer the calls.

Task

I had to end the repeated calls politely but firmly, without revealing the rejection decision or creating ill will.

Action

I said to the vendor, 'Thank you for calling. We have reviewed the proposal, and at this time we have decided not to move forward. If anything changes, we will reach out. I am not able to provide additional details, but I appreciate your interest.' I did not argue or justify. When the vendor asked to speak to the partner anyway, I repeated, 'I understand, and my instruction is to let you know we will contact you if circumstances change.'

Result

The vendor stopped calling after two more attempts, and the partner later told me I handled it professionally and without causing a scene.