Piling On

What happens when you’ve pruned the list but those pesky weeds just won’t seem to go away? Sometimes, there are situations where you’ve done all you think you can do. You’ve delegated as much work as you can. You’ve planned time away to rejuvenate and restore. You’ve raised the issue that you are overworked to your boss. You’ve even flat out said no to any new responsibilities. And, somehow, still, inexplicably, the no is met with a “not an option”, and you find yourself with new tasks added to what was supposed to be your slimming to do list.

In these situations, there is nothing to do but become your own boss. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying that you can suddenly pull rank and ignore the guidance you’re being given. Sometimes, truth be told, you simply have to grin and bear it and do your job—especially if you recognize that the requested push is a short-term affair. Rather, what I mean by becoming your own boss is to exercise authority over those things that are within your control. Become your own boss by deciding what other items come off your plate—whether personally or professionally—to accommodate the influx of new work. If you’re not sure what that is, ask someone you trust to help you prioritize.

If nothing can be removed or postponed, then plan for the day that something changes. Ask yourself why these items are continually coming to you and no one else. What skills do you have that keeps people coming to you for support? Analyze who else on your team has these skills or who has the potential to acquire those skills through training and mentoring. If the answer is no one, and I seriously doubt that is the case, make the business case to your boss for why you need to hire someone with that skillset. Is it more work on a plate that is already full? Yes, but these are the types of tasks that take time but ultimately bear fruit. Stay out of the weeds and keep your eyes on the prize.