Three Ways to Ditch Work Projects Without Shirking Responsibility
The benefits of agreeing to a new project are clear. This is what a team player would say and it is a way to demonstrate that you are ready for new and exciting responsibilities.
This post was originally published on the Muse website .
And while there are many great articles on why you shouldn’t feel guilty about saying no , many people still feel guilty about it. So you say “good” and you try to squeeze in something else so that no one doubts how useful you are. The next thing you know, this well-meaning answer has completely turned around. You work longer, and because you can only do so much, you end up falling behind. All of a sudden, you start pushing deadlines and try your best to get things done.
But there is no reason to feel “damned if you do this, damned if you don’t.” Because you can say no without considering it a lazy move. By simply changing your language, you can make it clear that abandoning a project is best for everyone involved.
Option 1: “Unfortunately, I will not be able to fully focus on this until [Date], because I am currently working on [Project].”
Usually you could say something like, “I can’t, I got slapped.” (Or maybe “Wow, okay,” followed by a week of sleepless nights.) And none of these options will make you look like you know the story.
This line, however, saves you a lot of effort and makes a positive impression. Rather than seem overwhelmed by your work, it gives the impression that you are in so much control over your schedule that you can predict the exact date when it will open. (Brief note: if your manager asks, and these are projects she doesn’t know about, give her some context. She may not have realized how much you have on your plate and might really give up on some.)
If you are wrong and end up being available sooner, you can always reach out to you (and it will seem like you are the type to hit your own deadlines).
Of course, there is always a chance that they will take your word for it and wait until the end of the month (or when you say) and ask again. It’s great if you were interested and really too busy because you know that they really value working with you. However, if you were just looking for a diplomatic way to opt out, try one of the other options.
Option 2: “I’m not very familiar with [required skills], but Janet is an expert.”
It’s clear that you’ll look like a jerk if someone offers you an unpleasant assignment, and you offer your colleague instead. But now imagine that if someone comes to you with a cool project, this is not your forte.
Of course, if time weren’t a factor for any of the participants, you could potentially brush up on that skill and then get involved. And there will be times when your boss will give you a project to help you grow. But now let’s say it’s not your slow season: you’re busy, and so is the person who comes up to you. The truth is, they will get results faster by partnering with your colleague who knows it like the back of his hand.
Plus, everyone appreciates being noticed for doing a good job. So when Michael walks up to Janet and says, “I’d love to get your feedback on my presentation to a client if you have time this week. Michelle said that you really know how to edit photos and can help me make them more attractive, ”- everyone will feel good.
Janet will be flattered that you think she is particularly talented, and Michael will appreciate that you pointed him in the direction to get the best possible help. Oh, and you can get back to that heap of work and you won’t have to devote your evening to google photo editing for dummies.
If you’re not sure if Janet will be flattered, you can always ask first or drop the line to make it easier for her. For example, “Janet is doing a great job at this job, but I know she’s incredibly busy right now.”
Option 3: “[Resource] always helps me with this”
Of course, it may be that you are the one who is being approached on a certain issue, so it makes no sense to pass this on to a colleague. In this case, think about where the other person came from: why are people asking their teammates to intervene? Because they need help.
That’s why if you just say, “No, I’m too busy,” they will be disappointed. It doesn’t matter how sweet you are, how sensible the place you are to come, or even if you’re sorry: the point is, they won’t get any further than they were when they approached you.
So what you want to do is fix it. While you may not have time to subscribe to a project, I bet you can take a few minutes to submit a tip, idea, previous project, or whatever resource you think would be useful. Since they have come to you, they value your opinion. And in this way you still answer them and give something without resorting to help.
It is true that the ideal scenario for a teammate is when you have all the time to help them. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. However, you can opt out of them in a way that still sounds competent and helpful. The trick is in the way you say it.
3 Best Ways to Ditch a New Project (Without Saying No) | Muse