English Deutsch Français Italiano Español Português 繁體中文 Bahasa Indonesia Tiếng Việt ภาษาไทย
All categories

I have a great relationship with many of the women at my part-time job. However, they sometimes ask me to do little personal things for them that I really don't feel I should be doing, nor want to do. Today for example, one of them asked me if I can go refill her drink for her. Now, if I was heading to that area of the building, I'd gladly do it, but I wasn't. I told her no, and she looked as if I insulted her. I don't feel that I should have to leave the office to refill her soda only to come back and continue working. I don't mind doing favors for people, but I feel that was rediculous and I'm not sure if my answer may have came off wrong or was just not being accepted by the asker. What's the best way to *politely* respond to someone the next time someone asks me to go refil her drink or go to the breakroom and get something from the vending machine for them?

2007-03-07 15:41:15 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture Etiquette

19 answers

What these women are doing is absolutely tacky, and they know that they're doing it because they want to get a power trip.

The next time this happens tell them you have other priorities to tend to or that you are not the company runner, plain and simple. No more, no less. As long as you state the facts, they have nothing to argue. You can do this very politely by starting out with a simple, "I'm sorry, but ... " Be sure to look the person in the eye to show your confidence and to stand your ground. When you're speaking to her, it's important to come from an angle that she's harmlessly mistaken or has misunderstood your job functions. This way if you seem to have sympathy for her "misunderstanding," you will not seem hostile in your response. Your goal is to be sincere but clear. Hope this makes sense. Good luck.

2007-03-07 15:59:42 · answer #1 · answered by Opal 6 · 2 0

You're not their servant are you? Being nice and polite isn't the same as letting people walk all over you! Say you're not headed that way, you'll be happy to bring her one when you are getting your own. And when she's getting up some time to refill her own drink, ask her to bring you one in return.

2007-03-08 04:08:19 · answer #2 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0 0

Option 1 Smile and say "I'm sorry but I'm very busy.
Option 2 Smile and ask "Ladies, you fought so hard for equality but still want to have it both ways."
Option 3 Smile and say "I'd love to but I'm heading in the opposite direction".
Option 4 Smile and say "Sure, when I go there". Then be very busy.
Option 5 Smile and ask her to go refill your drink or bring you one.
If you really to get the point across you may say that it's not in your job description but it may be somewhat inflammatory.

2007-03-07 16:00:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2 0

That was pretty rude in her part. I mean if you were going in that direction, as you said, it wouldn't be so bad. Next time just say, I am sorry but I am not headed that way. Unless you are going somewhere and ask if they need something, from the breakdroom for instance, they shouldn't be asking you to stop what you are doing, just to be their errand boy. Its okay to say no, its how you say it, just be polite,even if they are not.

2007-03-07 16:43:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

I would just tell them that I am very busy and have to get my work done so I could get home at a decent time, and wouldn't have to do the work from that day the next day. That is very rude of them to ask you that.

2007-03-07 15:49:45 · answer #5 · answered by *~*~*~* 4 · 0 0

Working in a office can be a lot like prison. This woman is trying you. You need to lay down the law early and often. If you let her run you, she will make a fool out of you.

2007-03-07 17:25:54 · answer #6 · answered by huckleberry1 3 · 1 0

There was nothing wrong with what you did so you don't even need to be asking this question.. Feel free to say NO to whomever you want, whenever you want... especially for requests like that...

If she gets mad, next time say in a nice voice, "do I look like a waiter to you?"

2007-03-07 15:48:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

A simple "I'm not going that way" or "I'm busy" should suffice. While it's nice of you to do small favors, women are not helpless. It seems they are taking advantage of your niceness. Draw some lines now to avoid them taking advantage of you in the future. You don't owe them an explanation. One of my favorite expressions is "No one can take advantage of you unless you let them". So don't let them.

2007-03-07 15:53:27 · answer #8 · answered by emt_me911 7 · 0 0

You gave the correct answer.

You could make a joke out of it, "You're kidding, right". Laugh. If they say no. Then you say no.

Don't say you are "sorry you are not going that way, yadayadayada" that is rediculous.

2007-03-08 04:10:41 · answer #9 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 0 0

unless they are a supervisor or return the favor when you ask them to do something tell them you are busy. if it persists mention you didnt realise you were demoted to the office go-for. if the problem persists tell them flat out you are not going to do it anymore since it takes away from the job you are being paid to do. good luck!

2007-03-08 00:45:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

fedest.com, questions and answers