It's almost midnight, and you're still at work? It is quite possible that this is not a case of emergency and not an exciting new project: you simply systematically perform not only your own, but also other people's duties. How to avoid work that is not part of your job description?
To learn how to say "no" and focus on your own, and not on other people's affairs, listen to the advice of Superjob.ru.
Hurry to do good?
“My daughter has a matinee tomorrow kindergarten, and I need to hand in a report by dinner ... I’ll never know what to do, ”you hear from a colleague and, out of the kindness of your heart, agree to help. A week later, the same colleague complains about a cold that suddenly struck her: “But I can’t leave, because I still have to call clients!” Leaving all the cases, you call clients, and finish your work by nightfall.
Psychologists say that such tactics are one of the most common and trouble-free techniques for using people to their advantage. A not very decent colleague who wants to shift some of his work to others does not even need to ask for anything: he just veiledly appeals to better feelings others (sympathy, solidarity, understanding), and they themselves offer him their help.
Recognizing such manipulation is not easy, but possible. Isn't it too often that events occur in the life of a colleague that now and then prevent him from working at full strength? Does he use all the reserves to solve his problems without the help of others? For example, you can take your mother to the doctor, and then return to work, despite the late hour.
What to do if you notice that you are deliberately “hung” with extra work? To find a way out of the situation without ruining relations with a colleague, next time help him not with deeds, but with a word: sympathize, offer to take an analgesic, recommend a doctor you know. Your refusal to work for a colleague should be polite, but very clear: “Unfortunately, I can’t do it for you - I have an emergency job myself.”
If you are a beginner...
It is much more difficult to refuse to do someone else's work for a newcomer who has just joined the team. After all probation includes checking not only professional qualities but also the ability to get along with people. How do you say "no" here?
Meanwhile, it is on newcomers that they often try to dump the most uninteresting and thankless work, taking advantage of their ignorance. As a rule, new employees, trying to join the team as quickly as possible, obediently learn other people's duties. However, they should remember that during the probationary period it is important to show oneself as a professional, therefore, first of all, one should perform the work that is prescribed in job description. If, having just joined the company, you will not cope with your main functionality, no one will remember that you helped others, most likely, the probationary period will be considered failed.
Of course, you should not fall into paranoia and see those around you as exclusively exploiters. Sometimes you need to help colleagues, if possible. If you see that the task offered to you is completely inappropriate for your position, ask who has done this work before. If it was not your predecessor who did it, then politely inquire why it is now being passed on to you. Finally, say that you will definitely help once you have completed your current tasks. For greater persuasiveness, you can talk in detail about what kind of cases are waiting for your attention.
When a manager asks for help...
Perhaps the most ambiguous and difficult situation is when the boss shifts his work to you, referring, for example, to an important meeting or other circumstances. On the one hand, this is good for you: in this way you can gain experience, acquire useful acquaintances and lay the foundation for future growth. On the other hand, the fact that the manager entrusts you with part of his duties does not at all guarantee you a speedy career development. How to be?
There is no single correct answer to such questions - a lot in such cases depends on your capabilities, career plans, the personality of the leader and relations with him, etc. Whatever it is, if you do not have time to do both your work and the work of the boss Be sure to inform him about this so as not to let him down.
Imposed services
“Don’t thank me, it’s not difficult for me, I need to help each other,” says a colleague, bringing you coffee that you didn’t ask for. The next day, he volunteers to help you with advice, then he says a few words in your support at the planning meeting. Behind all this, there may be a certain tactic: persistently giving others all kinds of small services, such employees subsequently rely on the fact that others will feel indebted and will not refuse help at the right time. Experienced office dwellers are advised to simply avoid such colleagues. If you have already fallen for the “bait” and you are asked to repay the service you once provided with a prepared presentation or report, try to overpower yourself and politely refuse a colleague, clearly arguing why you are in this moment unable to complete a particular task.
Remember that the ability to say “no” is almost a must. successful career!
© shutterstock.comThe management hardly considers that this or that work is superfluous for you. Like, work is work. It doesn't matter if you have to work on it or if it's the responsibility of completely different people. You need to be able to politely refuse processing for your own good. How to do it without scandal?
Don't show that you can handle it easily
If a person manages to drink tea and talk, then often colleagues and superiors do not perceive such behavior very well. They think that you are chilling instead of working, you have a lot of free time; and not about the fact that you just know how to correctly distribute your time.
What to do? Just don't show that everything is easy for you. Although we all understand that the work is not done easily. Get distracted, but don't play.
Timing
So, you have been assigned a task that is not your responsibility. Sometimes it is either impossible or inconvenient to refuse directly. What to do? Tell the boss that you need to consult with people who are professionals in this to get it done (which will distract them), Additional Information that you might be wrong. Say that you can do it no earlier than a certain time and warn at labor costs. The boss himself may come to the conclusion that it is better to entrust the case to a person specially trained for him. However, remember: for some individuals, the phrase “can’t” means “don’t want,” which implies shirking and inefficiency of the employee. In this case, do not blame yourself and think about whether you need such a job?
Straight and clear
Helped a colleague a few times, and now it has become the norm? It shouldn't be like that. A little help is one thing, outright use is another. Directly and openly say that you will not do someone else's work, otherwise you will have to work for the whole company. And in general, why do some colleagues work in this company if they do not cope with their duties and constantly ask for help?
Do you recycle all the time? Talk about a pay rise. There are two outcomes: either the requests will stop, or your salary will be increased.
No tears
Asking colleagues and complaining about overload is not worth it. If they sympathize, they will not help. Who needs extra problems and deeds? Speak personally with the leader. Just be tactful and careful. Explain your claims in a reasoned and clear manner. No ultimatums, otherwise the boss will decide the issue definitely not in your favor.
What? I have not heard
Most of the requests and prayers go to the post office or other means of communication. Disable them or set them to receive messages and calls from people who do not take advantage of your good nature. It is clear that you will not be able to constantly ignore some colleagues, but the number of requests will decrease. Don't answer once or twice and they'll have to look for another good guy. Constant jogging to your table will be too noticeable.
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How many times did it happen that you agreed to fulfill someone's request, and then reproached yourself for it, because there is a lot of work to do, and the working day is not endless. And you just had to say “no” right away. Does it look like your problem? Then read on, learn a lot and learn to refuse. After all, this is normal.
Have you ever wondered why this happens over and over again: you make a plan for yourself for the day or for the week, allocate time in such a way that you can do everything, start following your plan ... and then your colleague comes up to you and asks you to draw up a document, write a report, do a little presentation, help come up with a slogan, and God knows what else. Of course, you agree, and your whole plan goes to hell - there is sorely not enough time for your tasks, you don’t meet the deadlines, your thoughts are confused, the fuse is gone.
This happens for the simple reason that saying “yes” is psychologically much easier. But is it worth sacrificing your own comfort and peace of mind and experience stress? Learning to confidently say “no” is, perhaps, best service which you can lend to yourself.
Think for yourself: there are only 24 hours in a day, the working day lasts only 8, you won’t be able to do everything in the world, and you won’t be good for everyone. So why then do we repeatedly take on the burden of responsibility for other people's tasks, how to interrupt this endless running in circles, why we constantly say “yes”, and how to learn to say “no”. Let's figure it out.
Why it is important to be able to say "no" and refuse colleagues
Saying "no" is not selfish
Every time you say yes, you make a commitment and a heavy burden of responsibility hangs on you. Before you say yes, think about whether you really want to give other people their due attention and do the work for your colleagues.
When you say "no", it does not mean that you are disrespectful to your colleagues. It only means that you show respect for yourself and your existing obligations. Be honest with others and with yourself.
Asking in this case may be offended, but you will raise your self-esteem and secure the obligations associated with your goals.
Saying "yes" doesn't make you friends.
Most of us say “yes” to our co-workers when asked to do a job for them because we want to connect with them and feel important and needed.
The problem is that this is a very false belief. Each of us is to some extent an egoist and your colleague, having received a result from you, will first of all think about how well done he is, that he got rid of the task so successfully, and not about the fact that you are a good comrade and that now it is worth treating you are much better than before.
In addition, if you fail to do this work or you do it carelessly, then the person asking will definitely note this and the attitude towards you will only worsen.
Too many commitments are bad for your health
Currently, work, for most of us, especially for those in leadership positions, is a lot of stress. Additional commitments lead to additional stress, which, as a result, affects your physical health and well-being. So is it worth mortgaging your health for the sake of someone else's success?
How to Say No and Feel Great
Your "no" should be short
You don’t need to grovel in front of a colleague and describe in detail and colors to him the reason why you have to refuse him. It will all look like excuses and justifications. "No, I can't" is all your colleague needs to hear.
Don't Feel Guilty About Rejection
It's just a matter of choice. Nobody can make you feel guilty. Yes, and for what? For the fact that you will follow your plan and go to your goal? Or for the fact that you have time to do everything on time and get praise from your superiors? Rather than guilt, feel joy for all of the above.
Be honest
No need to come up with non-existent reasons for refusal. You have every right to manage your time the way you want. After all, it is yours! It is better to allow yourself to rest if you have a free hour or two.
Be confident in your answer
Your “no” should be clear, concise, and persuasive. It shouldn't be "well, I'll think about it" or "I don't know, maybe". Just a firm "no". Of course, you can be asked very persistently, and it is important to remain steadfast here. After all, if a colleague manages to break you once, then he will know your weakness and come back to you with requests again and again.
Do not apologize
It is not necessary to tell a colleague who wants to push some of his work onto you that you regret that you have to refuse him. You don't have to apologize for not taking on a load you can't lift.
Well, and finally, I would like to remind you that you yourself, your goals and values are very important. Show them due respect, say “no” to everything that contradicts them, because no one but you will achieve them. Although, you can try to shift it onto the shoulders of that colleague over there ...;)
Problem
I had the following problem: I have been working in an organization for a year and a half, where from time to time they are forced to go to work on weekends, as well as stay late at work. No applications are made and no payment is made accordingly. Until now, this did not particularly bother me, but the following situation occurred: in the organization, the secretary retired, while an employee is being selected, her place is not occupied by anyone. The director told me that within a month, until she selects an employee, I must perform official duties both his own and the secretary. Of course, without any statements and payment, again on a voluntary-compulsory basis. To my attempt to object, she answered me, “Either you are sitting in the waiting room, or you won’t work here at all anymore, I don’t need to bend my show-offs here!” I understand that this is not legal, but what should I do in this situation, how to deal with the arbitrariness of the authorities? I really count on your help!
Solution
Good afternoon
Yes, of course, everything is clear, forced labor is prohibited by law, and the Labor Code of the Russian Federation is Article 4 and the International Convention.
But, yes, something must be done, and even more so if you need evidence and witnesses to go to court.
What do you do, but do the following: collect this evidence!
1. Start a notebook or something like a diary, where every day you will write down these threats without emotions, only with facts, for example, on such and such a date at such and such a time in the presence of such and such witnesses, I was told this and that. Yes, bossing and mobbing problems are common all over the world and arbitrage practice is not very rich in examples, but these practices are very extensive in international courts, and based on these courts, such a notebook-diary serves as good evidence.
2. The second point, I would like to clarify, but your salary is white or mixed, when you may not be paid something. If mixed, then again collect evidence that there is a black part, just now you need to remove resentment, emotions and start preparing your defense. Gather evidence in any way, preferably documentary, that there is a black salary.
And if your salary is white, then I can say that if you were not assigned the duties of a secretary, as required by law, then just do this work badly, badly, because they won’t even be able to punish you for this, you didn’t sign orders, contracts, job descriptions, therefore they can’t even punish you in this case, even just announce a remark or reprimand, there are no grounds for this (well, of course, if the salary is white). Work very poorly, while pretending to be surprised, constantly come to your boss with questions that you didn’t understand something, or something you need to show or where to find, draw her into the process of fulfilling the duties of a secretary, while with an innocent look, saying constantly, that you are very, well, trying very hard, but something is wrong with you.
I have been a personnel manager for 20 years, of course, I give these tips to the detriment of myself and colleagues like me, but when you are on the neck, you need to learn to shoot people from the neck. Sometimes, such situations were also with me.
If the salary is black, then first collect evidence about this, and then move on to the poor performance of secretary duties.
3. Learn to say the word NO, you yourself have taught the employer that he treats you as one who can do everything and you don’t even need to encourage her for this, look around in the team if everyone is in the same position as you, take a closer look at them, how they behave, so that they are treated with sympathy, with pity, that they need support and especially material support.
Study your boss, her weaknesses, her Family status, learn to speak the same language with her, put her in a situation where she will have to see you as a person, with similar problems, weaknesses, so that she identifies herself a little with you, oh, how similar you are, can you she threaten herself, but hardly. It's called manipulation, it's what they do to you, only you have to turn it away from you. This is, of course, both psychology and life experience, and the ability to get along with people, and the ability to influence them, but you need to do something, maybe you will not get the result in this situation, but in the next situation it may not even arise.
4. Find more good reasons when you have to be absent from work - b \ l, go urgently to the dentist to treat a toothache while bringing a certificate that you were at the dentist’s appointment, in general, you can find many reasons for situations to arise when you have to be completely absent or ask for time off for good reasons.
There is an opportunity to oversleep, stand in a traffic jam, even if they tell you for it, let them threaten you, let them yell, but you stay calm and just ask, what do you offer, what way out do you see from this situation, i.e. you don’t make excuses, yes you agree, you were late, overslept, stood in a traffic jam, but you don’t make excuses, but you want to hear some kind of proposal, what should you do in a situation where the whole city is in a traffic jam and now this is a common situation, engage in dialogue.
5. When they start pointing out to you that you are doing a bad job, that you have a mess in your papers, answer, and what does it mean bad, or a mess, it's just an adjective and a noun, you need specific comments and suggestions, you need facts, what they hide underneath these words and again you are not in the position of a guilty and justifying, but are already translating the monologue into a dialogue, you want some kind of explanation, you want to hear the specific position of your leader.
Life, the thing is not unambiguous and complex, at first labor activity a person is looking for a job, looking for a place where he could apply his skills in practice, then he begins to struggle with doing only the work that he agreed on in advance, and not the one that the management imposes on him.
Although in our time there are more and more cases when a manager tries to impose on an employee an “extra” job for him, i.e. he actually abuses his powers. And what can an employee object to such a boss?
How can he deal with such situations, and at the same time not lose his job, which he has been looking for for so long? After all, most often it is the loss of a job that makes many people do work that goes beyond their functionality.
Refusal to work - right or dismissal?
Remember that if you are forced to do work that you should not do due to your official status, but you are forced to do it, and this is motivated only by the fact that someone still needs to do it, then this is not legitimate. Here on the face of a direct abuse of his official position as a boss, forcing you to do what you should not do.
If you turn to labor law, then you can see an article there that regulates just such moments, i.e. it clearly states that the employer does not have such a right to require employees to perform work that is not indicated in their employment contracts or contracts.
Moreover, everything that an employee must perform, i.e. everything that is included in it functional responsibilities prescribed in the job description. And the employee must sign this instruction when accepting him for this position.
Only under a confluence of relevant circumstances, the employer has the right to require the employee to perform any work that is not indicated in his job description. And these circumstances are:
- situations that can be attributed to force majeure situations;
- accident cases;
- situations when a natural disaster occurs, etc.
And therefore, if there are, in principle, no such circumstances listed at your work and in the city, then the employee may quite legally refuse to perform the duties that his management imposes on him, and if such duties are not indicated in the job description that he signed, or they are not specified in his employment contract.
At the same time, it is impossible to dismiss an employee due to the fact that he refused to perform such work - this is not legal. The only option for the authorities may be an offer for the employee to combine his main duties with additional work, but all this must be documented, and there must also be an appropriate remuneration for this work.
At the same time, the amount of such remuneration should be approximately the same as that received by another employee who performed this work as his main duties.
But, when the employee does not want to perform even for remuneration extra work, you can't force it. There is no such legitimate mechanism for forcing a person to work where he does not want to work.
If a dispute arises between an employee and his employer on the basis of his job duties, then the commission resolving labor disputes, as well as through the courts, is engaged in resolving such a dispute. And if there is a trade union committee at the enterprise, then when resolving a dispute, its participation is simply obligatory.
The main thing to remember is that it is your right and even the duty to defend your rights if you see that they are being violated, and are completely sure that the truth is on your side. Good luck with your work!
