Only freedom will do

Karmacat

Well done on G@l@ Bingo!!! I'm tres impressed. You should get a business going using youtube videos

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

Sorry Ed, didn't know before about the baby on the way, many congrats, and all the fingers crossed for you all, x

misscousinitt

Just catching up.

Very many congratulations to you and Mrs Ed - that is fab news! Really happy for you both.

Punching colleagues....sounds like a plan - lol.

MCI xxx

edinburgher

Quick work question, as anonymous as possible.

I'm going to be asked to pick up responsibilities for a colleague who's failing to deliver some simple project objectives. As far as I can see, colleague is intentionally avoiding the responsibilities and has a history of doing so. The project is relatively important, but the item of work is not. I have already covered said colleague's behind by finishing off other work that they did not deliver.

I intend to say no, as I have already assisted with extra work and met all of my deadlines as expected. Picking up this work will prevent me from completing useful work already scheduled.

Does that sound unreasonable? Being asked to cover for someone who sits on the phone to recruiters galls me.

misscousinitt

Silly question, but will you get any recognition for doing the work? Are they going to get taken down a peg or two? If not, then I would say no, but in a way that explains the other work you are needing to do at this moment.

see what the others think...

MCI

edinburgher

Thanks for commenting MCI, I think you're probably right.

A friend has offered wise counsel and suggested that I just do it under the provisio that the source of the work is acknowledged. I have a good enough working relationship with the person leading the project that I can say that without looking too cheeky

I have an angry switch that is hard to avoid triggering

blackste

If you have goals that you are hitting, not "to easily", then you can justify refusing more work. If your sat around twiddling thumbs, then you would struggle to refuse "a reasonable request".
TL:DR look busy at all times.

in_need_of_direction

I'd point out what you have on and confirm that you should prioritising. That way you transfer the risk of not delivering to further up the line.

Goldiegirl

If I had spare capacity, I would pick up the work, on the proviso that the issues with the colleague are addressed, and that a clear message is given to the colleague that he/she can't get away with it any longer

I know what you mean about the angry switch...... The only way mine has been switched off is the knowledge that I won't be there much longer. There are 2 people in our team who never pull their weight and I'd be really cross if I was not leaving

Karmacat

Just supporting what's been written - I like the idea of being flexible enough to do it, but to make it clear that you won't devote the whole of your life to making sure *everything* gets done on their schedule, that you get acknowledgement for what you do, and the colleague gets .... information ... about what they're not doing.