I'm new but people are being sent to me as a guide

Anonymous

March 17,2023 at 12:39PM UTC

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I'm new but people are being sent to me as a guide

I've been in my meeting ole for 4 months and still learning.However new and old employees are being sent to me as a "source of information/guidance" I admit I've learnt and understood some procedures but I'm still learning myself.I've mentioned to the new employees I'm still very new to this role and I'll assist as much as I can but please loop in the manager or anyone else that can help but they still come back to me.Im getting overwhelmed with my day to day navigating my role and trying to figure out what they need.Any tips?

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Brigette WildsMarch 17,2023 at 12:44PM UTC
Who is sending them?
Does your manager know? Have you considered saying, “I’d love to help but am swamped. I helped Julie with a similar issue last week. I’ll bet she can help you’” Or “I’m relatively new and have not done that yet. Maybe we can figure it out together.” Yes is not the only answer available here unless the request is coming from a tyrannical boss, which is a different matter.
AnonymousMarch 17,2023 at 1:04PM UTC
Thank you! I mentioned to someone I'm very busy and directed them to my manager for the answer as well as a follow-up but they're attached to me lol. I even cc'd my manager on the email.
Jessica MinterMarch 17,2023 at 12:45PM UTC
Who is sending people to you? I suggest talking to that person - as well as your manager. It's important to set boundaries and manage expectations, especially since you are new and it's starting to effect you negatively. You may have to be more direct with those who keep coming back and tell them you can't assist due to other obligations, projects, etc. In my opinion, the comment "loop in the manager" still leaves the door open.
AnonymousMarch 17,2023 at 1:01PM UTC
Thank you! I definitely need to be more firm because its been affecting my work.
AnonymousMarch 17,2023 at 1:10PM UTC
I like the mindset of "I think we will both learn together on what's needed on the is one" responses. I would also encourage to continue to bring in your manager on questions. If you consistently bring these to their attention and then ask hey is there a training that I can take to become a better subject matter expert I would welcome that. Express that to your manager, if it's an email question add them to the email to see if they have the answer. If you are seeing a trend in certain areas you could also help identify a bigger issue with a training opportunity for a collective group. Concerned this part is overwhelming at this point. Good luck.
AnonymousMarch 17,2023 at 1:44PM UTC
Is helping people with these types of questions part of your job? If so, start keeping track of them and then propose a training be developed (even if you do it) to address some of the frequently asked questions. If it is not part of your job, start setting expectations you cannot help at the drop of a hat. Let them know you are tied up with something your boss wants you to do, and give them a timeframe of when to come back later. If the requests are coming by email, don't open them until the end of the day or when you have time to address them. You know the critical emails (your boss, your boss's boss, and team members collaborating with your projects.) Everyone else has to wait their turn. They'll get the message eventually.
Crystal HowellMarch 17,2023 at 5:48PM UTC
Have a meeting with your mgr for guidance
AnonymousMarch 17,2023 at 6:40PM UTC
Was this a part of the job description "duties?" If not, I'd speak with your manager and let them know how much time its taking away from your job.
AnonymousMarch 22,2023 at 10:28PM UTC
Definitely chat with your manager about how to reduce your workload. But the bright side here is you’ve quickly become a go-to person. Those people typically get promoted first, laid off last etc. Once you get the workload under control, tap into that special energy.