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I work in a department that is compromised over various teams with different functions, and an employee on a team other than mine has been assigning me tasks like cleaning and printing for her.

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Anonymous

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I work in a department that is compromised over various teams with different functions, and an employee on a team other than mine has been assigning me tasks like cleaning and printing for her. I try to accommodate but I have no idea why she is asking me - we don't work directly together and she is not my supervisor. We also hold equivalent titles within our organization. I think she might be mistaken about what my job is. What should I do?

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  1. Anonymous

    Talk to your manager and explain that what she's asking is taking you away from the duties your boss assigned to you. If you find out that the manager told her to ask you, then you know. (They should have given you a heads up in that case!) Do let your boss know.

    Good luck!

  2. Anonymous

    Be assertive and establish boundaries. Now. Tell her that you are working on a [your job function] and don't have time to do your tasks and hers too. Point her to the copy machine and cleaning supplies.

  3. Barb Hansen

    Here are some options for you:

    Stop being accommodating: When your co-worker assigns you tasks that are outside of your job, assign them back to her (or tell her directly) that you're unable to do that work for her. "I know in the past, I was able to be a good team player and help you, but my work-load doesn't allow me any free time. You'll have to complete this task with my assistance"

    Talk to your manager: If this co-worker doesn't stop assigning you tasks they shouldn't be assigning you, talk to your manager. Hopefully, your manager will not want you being an assistant to another team.

    Good luck! :)

  4. Anonymous

    Great advice. Some associates in my area also have a very hard time saying NO. Focus on your job requirements and if it continues, reach out to your manager. Good luck!

  5. OLIVIA JOHNSON

    The next time she asks, if you are completely busy with your own tasks that you are responsible for then I would share that with her at the time she asks.
    IF there are times that she asks, and you are available to help I would help. You never know when you will need help at some point.

  6. Laura Tobey

    Talk to your boss

  7. Anonymous

    Tell the other person that you are unable to help because your day is full as this is a different department, especially.

    (Unfortunately, I've learned the hard way that if I assisted, it BECAME my responsibility. People will take advantage. )

    There is helping in a bind but then there's being flat out taken advantage of. I think this situation is the first variation.

    She can print and clean-- send it to the xeroxer and find supplies!!

    If she asks again, I'd say something to your manager

  8. Anonymous

    Someone told her you are the group Admin

    Just let her know you are busy with your own work unless your manager wants you to be the group admin including for her.

  9. Anonymous

    Just ignore her message and do not reply, after 3 times she will stop.

    you are busy, it’s not worth your time to write back communicate clarify talk, it’s not your responsibility you have no time and obligation to reply.

  10. Anonymous

    Have a conversation with the person that is your manager. "Hey, just wanted to check in with you, <otheremployee> has started assigning me tasks. Has something changed where I am now reporting to her and it hasn't been communicated to me yet?"

  11. Mary Mathiowetz-Shaffer

    Ask her...
    'is there a reason you are needing my assistance with these things? I just want to ensure if you do need assistance, that I can get you to the right resource, as I am not that resource.'

    I would not ignore her - because you get labeled as 'unhelpful' or 'rude.

  12. Anonymous

    Not OP, but I love this response

  13. Liz Milne

    This ^^^ And if it continues, begin looping your boss in, copying them in to emails, having first mentioned that you're going to include him/ her in a matter that you're getting a bit concerned about...

  14. Shelly Katzeff

    I am confused. Why are you accommodating your 'equal's' requests if she is not your supervisor? I would simply say or text that she has made a mistake and contacted the wrong person for the tasks. Perhaps she is misinformed or simply wants to take advantage of someone on another team. In any case, if she is not your supervisor or has not received 'permission' to direct your behavior, I would simply ignore her. If she persists and confronts you, I would calmly inform her that you have been directed to take direction from your immediate boss, not from someone in an equal position. and that you would appreciate her refraining from assigned you random jobs that are not in her purview to assign..

  15. Anonymous

    Talk to your supervisor about what the expectations should be around work you are doing for other people. Then based on that, establish boundaries with this person. "I'm sorry but my workload will not allow me to assist you in this matter." If they create a stink, take it to your supervisor.

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