when you're asked to do more than your share, how do you respond?

Question

at work, at play, all day.

do you dig in and do it? mope and gripe? see someone in charge? some other strategy?

extra credit: by playing nike ("JUST DO IT") do you invite others to take advantage of you, or respect you? by moping and griping do you feel you'll get your way or just let others know how unfair it is? by asking to see someone about a change, do you become the squeaky wheel (do you care?)

Answer 1

Hi,Patzky,
I am not a "complainer".. and if people need me..at work, or elsewhere, I do everything I can.. and more..
And most of the people know, that I am "assertive".. They respect me.........
So, they don't take advantage of me...
My job, is in the line of helping others.. , and I love my job ;))
>>>>
Friends, know my limits..It is all a part of "good communication".. and stand up for "yourself"..
Then, they know "who" you are.. and what they can/cannot expect, from you..
>>>>>
If you treat people with respect, you get rewarded ;D
>>>>>>
This is my opinion, and personal experiences ...

I admit, I had to work on it, but the results.. are worth the effort!;)
>>>>>>>>

Thanks, for the question!

My regards!

Answer 2

I'd have to say that it's situation dependent. If you want to move up at work, doing extra work without griping is a good way to show that you are a good worker. If it doesn't pay off for you, in any way though, you should gripe about it, but keep in mind that nobody likes a whiner.

If you feel like your friends are taking advantage of you, then tell them about it. They may not see it that way, and may point out times that they thought you took advantage.

Do you really want to develop a reputation as someone who pisses and moans constantly when asked to do something?

Answer 3

At work I usually do more than I am asked just because I enjoy my work. Even if I didn't enjoy my work I would probably do more anyways because that is my nature or habit to do so.

At play, I just join in the fun. I don't care about leading the fun, but just participating in it is enough for me.

All day, I am always on the alert as to how I can pitch in and help others to make thing run more smoothly, or to lend an extra hand where needed, or run some errand when someone is ill and can't do it or incapacitated in some way. This is fulfilling for me and gives me a sense of well-being and satisfaction that I was able to make someones day a little easier.

For the last part of your question:
I do not invite others to take advantage of me but expect them to respect me as I do them and it works out well for me and for them. I also do not whine,gripe or mope about something and demand that someone do something about it but I look for a more constructive positive approach as to how best to go about dealing with the situation at hand. I do care that much.

I hope that I answered this question as you wanted it. I answered it as I understood it, taking time to read it several times while considering how I would answer it.

Answer 4

The mistake is thinking about what your "share" is. Instead, think about what you bring to the office/group/team. Focus on giving your all, doing 101 percent. If that means you've done more than anyone, super, if not, that's fine, too.

People who worry about doing their share and only their share never get anywhere. They can never be more than "ok" or average. The general result is that the extra effort is recognized by the respect of your peers and the apreciation of your superiors....you fly by those people who are still worried about doing more than their share.

Answer 5

"Hello patzky99!
I admit to being a little cranky when asked to do more than my share of work, although I have always followed instructions from a superior.
I have been rewarded for my additional participation a number of times.
I do not invite others to take advantage of me. I demand respect!
I've never been hesitant about doing my job.
If there is something illegal about the job, I'll stick it right in front of my superior for investigation and validation.
I have been a "squeaky wheel" several times. I care!"

Answer 6

I married a girl who has alot of medical problems, I knew of them before hand and I was willing look past them to find the person I wanted in my life.
as to work - well I have done things that went out of my way just to see them done and " if " I get some form of thanks I'm OK with it. it's when your used past your intent to show you can take on new things and get used with out thanks that I get a little bent out of shape over..
as to my play time , I always go out of my way to help friends and it's because they are friends and it's who I am..

ask your self this question, do you love life and where you are in it and do you have some one to befriend that want you for you..

Answer 7

Personally, my strategy is not as good as it could be. [I know what the "right strategy" is, but I'm dealing with some baggage.]

I have a hard time saying "no" directly to someone; and I also pride myself in my ability to deal with things spontaneously that are thrown at me (I love multi-tasking). So I often will take on more than I can chew, if people are assertive in coming to me with some requests.

I have integrity, so even if I know I shouldn't have agreed to the task, I will still try to accomplish it with as good an attitude as I can, rather than just copping out -- but part of me does feel resentful over "having" to do it, and part of me feels angry at myself for not being more firm in rejecting the request in the first place.

My other strategy (again, not the best) is "avoidance" -- because I know I'm terrible at knowing when to say "no," I tend to fly under the radar as much as possible and avoid situations where I might be asked to do something.

What *should* I do? Well, ideally, I should take my "gut" reaction (yes or no), then think it through and see whether I should go with it -- as well as whether my decision is fair and best for all concerned. I then need to share any concerns I have with the asker and see if any additional input would change my decision.

Depending on who the asker is, my choice differs. If it's my boss and I've brought up any issues, in the end I do have to do what he says, and it makes sense to support him as much as I can. If it's friends or family, I have more flexibility.

In any case, I should (1) not be mean or aggressive in my refusal, (2) be willing to compromise, if reasonable, and (3) be firm about my boundaries.


--- Extra Credit

Passive/Aggressive reactions (like moping and griping) aren't helpful. They undermine the job being done, they erode morale, and polarize factions -- "us" against the "boss." It only makes for a worse situation in the workplace, and it casts yourself in the role of a victim.

If you have been asked to do something you consider immoral, harmful to someone else / the company, and/or is just something you don't feel you can do, AND you have raised the objections with the person who is making you perform the task, then I think you have a right to go over their heads and deal tactfully with their boss -- although you must be prepared for the fireworks that will occur because of that.

However, "squealing" on your overseer simply to get out of doing a personally boring or distasteful task is not only immature and potentially taking advantage of others, but could result in your getting reprimanded and/or terminated -- not good.

The fact is that your boss is in charge of you and has authority. If you have voiced any reasonable objections up front, suggested fair alternatives to the plan, explained yourself clearly, and your boss still believes it necessary for you to do the task (whether you think it's fair or not), and you do not have a moral objection to what you must do, then you have two "honorable" solutions:

1. Perform the task to the best of your ability -- to honor your professional agreemen and bring honor to your boss and yourself and your company.

2. Quit the job, refusing to take money from someone whose authority you are not willing to submit to.


Yes, some people will try to take advantage of you if you "just do it," but i don't think the Nike slogan means laying down and dying. We always have a decision we can make.

We can explain our reasoning, make our objections known up front, try to work out a reasonable compromise, and finally either choose to complete the task or else relieve ourselves of our duties. This still doesn't ensure that someone will respect us (some people are clueless), but we can at least respect ourselves if we know we have taken these steps.

Answer 8

It depends. I certainly will not be abused or taken advantage and I'm always willing to do more than my share to help out.

Answer 9

well, if it is unfair then i will confront the people involved. and if i know why i'm being asked to do more, perhaps becuase i did not do as much as last time, then i will be willing to do it. it is all about rationalising the situation. and being logical.

Answer 10

It depends on what kind of mood i'm in how nasty the job is andho much time i have to spare