Do you think people that are employed should be allowed to use this Phrase " Thats not my Job?"?

Question

I don't think so, I didn't call asking for your job description. If you can't help me at least find someone who will.

That Phrase really irratates me.

Answer 1

Customer service is getting about as extinct as the dodo bird and T-Rex. I agree with you, no one wants to make an efforrt to help anyone much these days anymore.

Answer 2

When some one hires you there always a chance something that comes about at one point or another where it's necessary to call on an employee to help do something that they don't think they've been hired to do. Even if you have a job description and are asked to do something outside that job description it's always best to do what you are asked to do or you just might find yourself on the outside looking for another job because you po'd the boss. If you value your job and like it, I sure wouldn't hesitate, the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. Use common sense.... if you have any.

Answer 3

Well, there are a couple of good reasons to use that phrase. One is that you can get into trouble for going outside your area of responsibility, in a couple of different ways. You can get into trouble with the people who are responsible for that area and have to clean up when you do things you aren't authorized to do. Or sometimes your supervisor writes you up for not following established procedures. That used to happen to me a lot, when I was supposed to transfer calls to a section where I knew they'd be on hold for an hour. I'd just answer their question, and get in trouble for it.

The other is that if you start going above and beyond, if you start taking care of things that others are supposed to take care of just to make sure the whole thing works, you will get dumped on. People will start to dump their responsibilities on you, or just leave them for you to pick up. The same people will start to say that you don't have enough responsibilities, and maybe your position should be cut back to part-time.

Does the phrase get overused and abused in the workplace? Probably. But it is often a means of self-preservation. The ones who didn't learn to say that phrase are no longer with that particular employer.

Answer 4

I think that people put up firm boundaries about what they will and won't do on the job for many reasons. One of them might be an unwillingness to extend themselves if the benefit to them is unclear, which is definitely irritating. Others, though, might've found themselves abused by supervisors, co-workers, or others in the past who asked them to do things that were, frankly, unreasonable and well outside of their area of responsibility. Some companies have strict protocols about who can do what (probably a liability thing) and might penalize someone who did a task outside of their job description (taking initiative isn't always rewarded). In other cases, people might rightly decline to fufill a request because it's clearly outside of their training, ability, and might even be dangerous to themselves or others. Regardless of the reason, I do think that it's good protocol and shows professionalism and goodwill if the person who cannot help directs you to someone who can. People often forget that they are considered representatives of the companies that they work for, and first impressions (especially negative ones) are difficult to shake. My two cents!

Answer 5

I have always hated that phrase; my philosophy has always been that in any place you work at, you work as a team; when someone needs help or something needs to get done and you're available, then help do it! I've had to do (and often volunteered to do) many things that were not strictly "my job," but that's just part of the job.

: )

Answer 6

I think it's irritating as well. But at the same time, if the person is not qualified or authorized to do what I'm asking them to do, then I'd rather know that up front so I can get to the right person. Just saying "That's not my job" because you don't feel like it is extremely unprofessional.

Answer 7

My former boss forbidded us to us that phrase. If we were caught ever saying it, we were called into the office for a "discussion". There are ways to say it without actually using those particular words...I will have to let you speak to someone in that department..I will transfer your call to so and so...I'm sorry that I can't be of help to you, etc.

Answer 8

I don't think so either. You are employed you do what ever within reason to get the job done, if you don't know how that is a different story.

Answer 9

i believe that people can use that statement with coworkers and bosses BUT not with costumers

people (costumers) call or seek out employee's for help and no matter what you profession you are to help the people
like you said you could at least find the someone whose job it is to help the costumer

but i do say that statement but ONLY to my coworkers and my boss when they ask me to do something that i know im not paid to do.

Answer 10

I don't allow my associates to use it! If they start to complain about having to do something, I remind them that to continue making strides towards a new position (with more money!) that requires more effort. All of my associates want more hours and more money so they usually just do what i ask them without complaint.