What does this statement mean?

KiKi

You're really over-thinking it.

This is the equivalent of "and any other duties as requested". What they don't want is to ask you to do a specific task only for you to turn around and say "that's not in my job description so I'm not doing it." They're covering their backs.

That's it. Badoom-tish.
KiKi

theoretica

Whoever wrote the job descriptions may not have got it perfectly right, or how much is needed of various things may have changed and some job descriptions add up to too much or too little work.

If you have more work than you can manage have a word with your manager suggesting a solution (which may include delegating the photocopiers back across the office).

Elfbert

badaz52 wrote: »

I just think on principle this flexibility thing seems to be a one way street others can seemingly say no or dont get asked but i have to do it how can that ever be seen as fair??

If others can so 'no', then you should. Explain you're too busy, and if there's someone else who it makes sense to do the task - perhaps because they have experience/already do a similar job suggest it - but nicely, in a 'trying to be helpful with the problem' way, not in a whiny 'it's not fair, they don't even do anything' way.

Or ask them which other task you currently do you can drop, to fit in doing the copiers. Then perhaps they'll realise you don't have time.

Ozzuk

Again this goes back to your level within the organisation - I'm guessing if you are a school ICT manager that you report into the finance group and they see you more as a support specialist and not a strategic manager. Nothing wrong with that but it does likely mean they'll throw anything even remotely IT/ICT your way. As I said before, I'd look at it as an opportunity, maybe put a procedure in place that x person in a department orders consumables for 'their' copier, and has a procedure to follow if it breaks (or they call you and you manager then engineer). Ultimately you need to decide if its easier to just do it all yourself.

Same for other tasks. Own your area, be as professional and flexible as possible. There is a definite step change IT staff (and most people) need to go through when moving from a 'fire fighting' support role into management/leadership to see beyond their job and to think strategically/from the business perspective. Your only job in IT is to enable to the business to function and make money - in your case, to ensure the ICT is fit for purpose.

I hope I don't sound condescending, I've worked for many organisations at all levels and had to meet this challenge myself. Its something I try to impart on my team for their development. You sound a bit of a lone wolf in your organisation - there is a huge positive in that, you can drive improvements and make ICT a very efficient department (helps if you are a budget holder).

Errata

It's a standard phrase and if you are a manager you'll understand that.

General_Grant

badaz52 wrote: »

It seems that the point is being missed, I understand that employees have to be flexible I understand that responsibilities may change over time. What I dont understand is why you would assign someone elses work to me when they are sat over the other side of the office with one less thing to do and are still getting paid for now not doing a % of what they were employed to do? That does not seem logical to me unless a) they are struggling for time or b) they arent competent.

If you aren't managing that other person then it's not your business how their work tasks have been rearranged. Losing one task (copiers) doesn't mean that they have less to do as some of their other tasks may be becoming more extensive or they are preparing for a new one (or are about to leave the organsation altogether).

What they are paid is not your business either.

Ozzuk

Errata wrote: »

It's a standard phrase and if you are a manager you'll understand that.

I know what you mean, but being a 'manager' doesn't automatically equip you with a full understanding - hence my attempt to mentor and advise rather than just say 'you should know that'.

badaz52

Thank you all for the advice, a lot to think about for sure.

Savvy_Sue

badaz52 wrote: »

This is not my first job and when I say no one else could do my job I mean no one else currently employed in the business and that is fact it isnt me trying to be big headed.

If you fell under a bus it's a fact they'd soon find someone else to do your job ...

badaz52

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

If you fell under a bus it's a fact they'd soon find someone else to do your job ...

Obviously....that wasn't my point though I was merely stating in response to someone saying that businesses can re-assign duties between staff as they see fit that because of the nature of my job there is no one currently employed by the business that could take any of my duties on because they require a lot of technical knowledge and ability.