Boss Just Keeps Asking You To Do More and More? Ask Yogesh Sood
Dear Yogesh,
I started working in a reputed real estate company some years ago and was promoted to Group Manager within two years. With this new job role, I moved into the city of Mumbai. Along the way, responsibilities piled up, and now I am juggling handling a spacious office space, hiring recruits, and other details.
It has been really tough for me as I am not well-versed with various operations inside an organization. My boss thinks highly of me and considers me a “Jack of all Trades.” However, he is a bit pushy but has been supportive so far.
This has added too much to my plate, and I can barely manage it by working around twelve to fourteen hours a day. It has taken a toll on my personal and social life as well. I am slowly sinking into this workload and don’t know how to approach my boss, start a conversation about it, and find a quick resolution.
I am afraid to say “No” and disappoint my boss. I don’t know what to do or how to come out of this crisis.
Regards,
Surbhi
Dear Surbhi,
The situation is alarming, and you must take things into your hands before it is too late. Now is the time to act. Before that, you need to reshape your own self-concept. You can do anything, but remember, you can’t do everything. All at once. Nobody can.
You seem more like a poster child of a famous saying- “The reward for doing great work is- more work!” If you want to get things done, give them to a person who is more responsible and busy with work. Unfortunately, in your case, you are that “responsible person” or “overworked employee.” But, do you know what the problem is?
Your boss has become habitual of assigning random things as you have proved your competencies in accomplishing things at short notice in several instances. And he will keep doing it until you are brave enough to say “No.” Although it will disappoint him, the after-rewards will be much sweeter. So, stop being a slave to your never-ending to-do list and get the life you have been longing for. Be ready to disappoint people, and stop nodding your head for everything. I can’t promise that you will ever get fully comfortable with it, but I can promise that you can (and will) get better at it. Forget being that “Golden Girl” and get ready to confront your boss with a “No.”
Of course, multitasking is a gift, but you must evaluate if it comes at an expense. Whether those sudden things take up your attention and time from the other critical areas or leave you completely exhausted and unhappy. So, ask yourself- Was it worth it?
Remember, the way to disappoint people is when you make promises that are hard to be kept. It is followed by a mad chase to meet deadlines and unrealistic expectations. Don’t be afraid to convey to your boss that you are a normal human being with a more exciting life beyond the office desk. Or simply tell him you are not a Sci-fi cyborg, and you have reached your human limit to handle multiple things at one instance.
Here is your step-by-step guide that can help you manage the expectations of everyone around you:
Create three lists for yourself.
- a. Things that usually excite you love to do and are part of your actual job. This is what deserves most of the focus, time, and effort.
- b. Things you can accomplish but don’t excite you much and are part of your additional responsibilities. These are the ones that need to be delegated.
- c. Things that neither amuse you nor pique your interest as they are not even remotely connected to your job. You need to avoid these things completely.
Next time someone asks you to do something, check if it falls in the (a) category list or not. If the answer is not affirmative, be brave enough to say “No,” or you can politely decline with the help of these statements.
- “No, I can’t take that right now.”
- “No, I am much busy with __________, __________, and __________.”
- “No, I think there is someone else who can do that. I know Saurabh loves parties!”
- “No, I am terrible at planning events.”
It is the only way to stay focused on what matters to you the most rather than taking up everything in your way. Don’t get bullied by someone’s authority, position, or control in the organization, and remain focused on your tasks at hand. Let other recruits take things that usually land up on your desk. Further, inform the company to hire a full-time professional HR to manage the recruiting process.
The first baby step is having an awareness of your situation. Now, take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself who you want to be, what you want, who you don’t want to be, and what you don’t want. If you are kind, polite, and respectful, people will start understanding your situation and stop approaching you with random requests.
It is time for you to stand up or wait till your sufferings take you to a breaking point. Any further delay will only lead you to lose your sense of humor, bring an impending health crisis, or finally cause failure at your job. I would recommend that the idea of “Let’s wait and watch” will not take you anywhere, but in the end, the choice is only yours.
Regards,
Yogesh Sood
The above is an adaptation of a blog written by MADELEINE HOMAN BLANCHARD on July 9, 2022.