I posted this tweet recently trying to get some help from my expert tweeps:
Here are some of the responses I received:
“Ignore it. 
”
“Just say no!”
“I have ignored requests from persons I was less than happy to recommend. Nothing nice to say, say nothing!”
“I shan’t do the requested recommendation.”
“ignore it & pretend like you never saw it OR be honest & tell them know u don’t feel comfortable endorsing anyone (not personal).”
“Request for rec if exp not ++? Declne the opportunity. How blunt you can be depends on your relationship w/the person then & now.”
“I’d say ‘I don’t think the nature of our business dealings allowed me to see you in your best light’ and politely decline”
I’m direct, so on Linkedin I’d say “Due to our experience together, I may not be the best person to endorse your work product”
And finally this suggestion from the ever helpful @SteveBoese:
“C’mon man, just write the recommendation, I’ll buy you a beer in Chicago if you do ”
So, help a guy out and add a comment with how you would handle the recommendation request. Inquiring minds want to know and I know you want to tell me…
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
If a recommendation came from someone I didn't know well, I would ask the person to draft something – then I could edit it sufficiently or decline.
It's my reputation but if I can help someone out, I will.
Hello? I am still waiting for the recommendation. Let's go already!
One trend I'm starting to see is people asking for recommendations I've never worked with – whether it's a paying assignment or volunteer work. So I explain that I hope we get the chance to work together on a project…which will allow me to write a meaningful recommendation.
Dee: Good idea. Have you had to do this yet? Was wondering if having to decline after reading the draft would be even more awkward then just declining at the get go.
Steve: One word – Beer
Sharlyn: Nice method to deflect the request.
I like the suggestion "our business dealings didn't allow me to see you in your best light." It gives you the opportunity to politely decline while not being too blunt or rude. Still, I think you would have to be prepared to give more detail if the recommendee asked about it. If you're not up for that, I guess you're back to square one of ignoring (which would be my second choice personally) or saying you just don't give recommendations.
So, did you ever write that recommendation for Steve?