So Much to Do, So Little Time
So Much to Do, So Little Time
Q: I love my job, but lately I’ve been swamped with multiple project requests. I can’t keep up, but I am reluctant to decline and negatively affect my reputation. What is the best way to say “no” to your boss when your plate is already full?
Declining is not the right answer. Defining, postponing, reassessing, or reprioritizing with your boss is the answer.
Most managers have no idea how long it takes people to complete their tasks, and it’s often challenging to help them understand. Be able to have that conversation with your manager—the answer to their request should be “yes,” but it should also help them realize the time requirement and realize that something has to give: “I know you’d like me to rework that Excel sheet, which will take about two hours; what priority should this take over XYZ on my list?” Most people also don’t report to just one person; there may be others influencing your to-do list, which one manager might not be considering. Keep a running list of tasks to contextualize your ability to finish an assignment and communicate this to your boss. Don’t whine, just keep your boss updated on your workload.
When you report to multiple people, you need to know whose requests come first and be able to facilitate communication among all parties. When you receive a new project, clearly convey what’s on your plate from others: “I’d be happy to do that for you. Here’s what I have now and what the priorities look like…should this project move another one?” Get your managers’ input on prioritization—don’t let yourself get stuck between senior people; put them in communication with each other to work out any competing demands on your time. Your role is to communicate.
Colleagues who aren’t your managers—or who are even junior to you—might also ask for favors. If they know your reputation for being really good at something, they could start to infringe on your time, too. While you want to develop supportive relationships with coworkers, you don’t want to become a doormat. Remember that favors are favors, and there will be situations where you have to tell someone that they’ll have to handle the task themselves. Help anyone once—if the request comes again, suggest that you review your process together so that the colleague can handle it solo next time. Show your confidence in their ability to complete the task. Focus on being known for educating others rather than being known for saying “I can’t help you.”
If a senior member of your organization asks a favor, focus again on communication. You might tell him “This project sounds interesting and I’d love to help; I need to check with my manager to see if I can get this back to you in your timeframe.” Then loop your direct manager into the situation, emphasizing that you’re happy to help others but want to make sure nothing interferes with your responsibilities. Just alerting these senior colleagues of your workload or suggesting they speak to your manager will help manage their expectations of what you can reasonably offer.
If unwieldy multiple requests happen regularly and people are asking for more than you can give, it’s time to sit down with your boss. Share how much you like your work, but be honest about having some challenges and needing some advice. Communicating openly with your manager is important in dealing with an overly full plate. Know that there are peaks and valleys in the workplace and that feeling overtaxed has nothing to do with your capabilities. But also know this: Some days you’ll just need to stay late.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com