How to say no at work?

Question

They keep assigning me other people's jobs to do, literally, I'm up to about 3 extra now. I can't take this anymore. I can barely keep up with my work as it is and now they're expecting me to pick up one job again. I want to tell them I physically cannot take on anymore work because it's not possible to be everywhere at once. They basically pick on me when there's like 25 other people in the department. How can I tell them no this time without getting fired for insubordination? (even thought it's not even my job do this other person's job again)

Answer 1

I'm affraid to say... it's time to dust off your resume.

Answer 2

That's my problem as well - but here's how I handle it.

First, don't ever directly say NO to something. No matter how overworked you may feel (and you are probablly right), my experience has been that saying NO or 'that's not my job' or blaming someone else for non-productivity is perceived as VERY unfavorable by management - you are seen as a whiner.

So what to do? Figure out what is the most important work that your boss (or bosses) wants you to do - and do that well (and make sure that your good work gets noticed). The stuff that is not on the priority list - get to it when you can, or as they say in New York - 'forgetaboutit!'. If it gets done, it gets done, if not, and it is not on the priority list, no one will really care anyway (not at least your boss).

If your boss is one of those demanding types, then make sure you have all the tasks listed so that if they ask why project or task Z is not done, pull out the task lisk and sweetly say "because, as you can see from the list of tasks I am working on, task V,W,X and Y are what I am working on now. If you want me to put Z ahead of these priorities, I can, but then V,W,X, and Y will slip. Is that OK with you?" Lay it back at your manager,s feet.

I have worked for over 10 companies in my lifetime, and I find that most managers in most companies are VERY, VERY conflict adverse. So rather than confront lazy employess with their non-performance, what most managers do is find some poor soul (a.k.a people like you) who will do the added work. It still makes them look good and most don't really care that they are stressing you out (even if they pretend to care).

So it is up to YOU to put boundaries around what you are willing to accept. You can do it in many different ways, by using the priority system, or being creatively incompetent (meaning that you become selectively forgetful on those less important projects, or saying things like 'oh yea, I forgot about that project., I still have to coordinate with Mr X on it [that will put it off for about two days]' etc, etc. The point that I am trying to make is that most companies will work your fingers to the bone - if you let them. The important thing for you to do is to come up with strategies that will subtly tell your bosses how much you are willing to accept, and where you will draw the line.

If you feel you really, really can't do this - then it's time to look to see what is "behind door number 3" - and it usually is the exit door. But I'm guessing that you don't fully understand the nature of 'office politics' and how Machaelivallian everyone at work can be. Pick up a couple of good books on games managers play and use them to 'fight back'.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I would suggest having a heart to heart chat with your manager or supervisor. Above all else, take a deep breathe and calm down before doing this - you sound frustrating and are rightfully so. Honestly I think it is a huge compliment that they are overloading you, as it sounds like your company sees you as a reliable and dependable employee. Perhaps you are and have been so good at all the multi tasking that they don;t realize that they have loaded you up with too much work. They can;t read your mind...speak up and try to resolve the issue. If your company dozen;t see your side...I would say run fast and find a new job - then they obviously don't value you! Good luck!

Answer 4

Schedule a time to sit down with your boss and/or HR and tell them that you can't do any more work and still keep up the quality. DO NOT say it isn't part of your job - most companies that have a written job description include "other duties as assigned" at the end of the description, plus it sounds like you are smarting off to them.

Answer 5

Make a list of every duty you are doing, when they ask you to take on more work, you can hand them your list and ask what you can take off your current duties to make way for the new duties.

Or delegate. It shows leadership and initiative.

Or get a resume together.

Answer 6

You have to show proof how much work you are doing compared to your co-workers. If you are doing more you should get more money or pass some of the work on to your co-workers.