If your boss tells you to do something that's not in your job description, do you tell him so, and not do it?

Question

But if you are a professional, and the boss is asking you to do something any kid at Burger King could do? Would you not take offense to that?

BShakey: I can tell you that anybody who would wash your car is a dope, and you are taking advantage of them, and you are an assshole. Plus, it just kills moral and in the end creates less productive employees. Take you car to the car wash you slime bag.

Answer 1

Do it and then key his car.

Answer 2

If the request is reasonable -- and not offensive -- why not just do it?

I think your job is to assist your boss and if you are helping him/her be more productive by going out and getting their car washed -- why not do that?

I don't buy the "it's not in my job description thing" -- that is being way too corporate.

I am the owner of my own business but when the phone rings -- I am just as soon to pick it up and answer it as I expect anyone else to. We have people who are "receptionists" -- but we are all in this thing together to be more successful so the company does well and we all "win".

I wouldn't automatically read something negative into a request like that. Assume good intent until they really demonstrate otherwise. They may just see you as someone who is really on board with them and move you right up the ladder -- because you are willing to pitch in with any task, no matter how menial -- and whether it is in your job description or not.

Good luck.

Answer 3

SUBJECTIVE ISSUE!

If your boss requests you to do something which is actually not in your job discription, but still due the respect to him you may choose to do it.
But just take care that you do not allow it to become an habit. If he asks you to do such stuff often then you should pass him the message politely.
Offending him outright on his face won't be advisable unless you don't like your job or dont plan to work their for long.

Do an analysis and take a call, good luck!

Answer 4

It depends on what the request is...If he asks to me to hang out with him after work or something else than I'd say no..and if he fires me than oh well....but if he asks can I make him a cup of coffee than I would do it...sometimes you need to get over your pride sometimes and just be willing to go the extra mile once in a while...I mean if that's ALL they ask you to do for them and you've been there at least a year doing that.....maybe it's time to look for another job. *if the boss is a woman I might hang out with her but not a man.

Answer 5

If it's a small task, suck it up and do it. I will help you in the end when you are looking for a raise.
If it's something that is very time consuming and will effect the other work you need to do, then I would tell him so. Just don't se the words "but that's not my job". Makes you look whiney.

Answer 6

For me, it depends on the working environment you have now. Mostly big corporations have the policy not to work beyond your job description, but for a friendly or harmonious relationship with your boss I would say yes. Maybe he's giving you a try on how you will response to the situation. (a basis for future promotion) But on a regular basis, its a different scenario. Tell your boss and discuss to him frankly that you are doing beyond your job.

Answer 7

Advancement does not come to those who refuse to take an extra step further. So he asked you to do something that isn't "your job". heh, heh...no raise or promotion for you right away..that's for sure. you can bet that little remark went down on a note in your personnel file. No...not the one up front in the office..the real file that all employers can legally keep to guage your work production and attitude.

now get back to the loading dock and get to work!

Answer 8

It would depend on what it is.I worked a job and the boss told me to paint and It was far from what I was hired to do,wich was a mechnical job and I said no because It would ruin my cloths etc.
He fired me and I won In court

I hope you dont have to go through what I went through and I hope you can resolve this Issue In another way,Good luck

Answer 9

Keyword: Boss.
Is it something that needs done that could better the business?
Unless you are a food preparer who is being asked to scrub the toilet, I say may as well help out.

Answer 10

technically, yes, but if you do you will most likely fall out of their favor. you'll be looked upon as that person who only does what SHE wants to do. you'll be ostracized for not being a team player or whatever. if it's something small or menial then just do it. if it's something completely out of your realm, then do it but say something afterwards about it

Answer 11

Not doing it would be a potential career-limiting move. So you have to decide if it is worth that risk.