Of course, it can be particularly annoying when you, just when your inbox is exploding and seven deadlines are screaming,, your manager gives you ‘an extra project’. But even then, or perhaps especially then, you shouldn't say these things.
- That's not part of my job.
By saying that, you immediately disqualify yourself. This radiates zero, zip, nada extra work commitment, and when a nice promotion comes up, your manager will undoubtedly choose someone else.
What you can say instead is,
I think it's great that you trust me with this important task. Let's take a moment to see how we can adjust my schedule for this because I want to do this with all my attention for you, and if you look at my deadlines now, you might faint. So, would you mind if I delegate a few things to others?
- It's unfair.
Do you remember that scene from The Devil Wears Prada when Emily (just hit by a car and now battered in hospital clothes and bed) hears that it's not her but Andrea (Andréa, ANDREA) who is going to fashion week?. “It’s so unfair.” No one said life was going to be fun. Or fair. So show why you think you should have had that cool job. Ask your boss (such a terrible word but otherwise I just type ‘manager’ and it's so boring) what determined her (or his) choice and then constructively and concretely tell what you think about it.
- That's how we always do it.
Hey, that's really a great argument. This immediately shows that you are incredibly open to change and innovation. Dude, wake up. Ask how the other thinks the process can be better, smoother, and cheaper. Just because you did something a certain way doesn't mean that's the best or most fun way.
- I'm going to try.
If someone said that in my Marie Claire days, I always responded with: ”Okay, I'll put a post-it everywhere when the issue is in stores saying: we tried but it didn't work, sorry.” You're not going to try, you're going to solve it. One way or another, but it will happen.
- I didn't do it.
This is the height of collegiality. And you immediately indicate that you only care about your own tasks. I understand that you want to let it be known that you didn't make that blunder, but they'll find that out on their own. Say that you also think it's unfortunate, say that you're going to solve it first, and then you will look at how this could have happened and, more importantly, how it can be prevented.
Then you not only say that you didn't do it, you also show that you have vision.
- Maybe a really stupid idea.
This is sooo feminine. We are always so modest and cautious. A man would say exactly the same; I have an idea. With or without the adjective ‘brilliant’. We say; maybe a really stupid idea. Come on, stupid ideas don't need to be shared. But something tells me you had something really nice in mind.
- I can't.
Of course, you can't do everything. I can't do more than I can, but I make sure I have people around me (hi Joss,, hi Robin) who can. More important than knowing what you can do is knowing what your weak spot is. And you let someone else do that so you can focus on what you're good at. Bet your boss will be happy about that too?
