In this kind of thing you just go full on formal by requiring the request via e-mail, were you notify them that you’re not qualified to do it and require confirmation (and, if applicable, confirmation that your own manager authorizes it).
(Also if you are busy with some other project, be very very explicit it will have to be put on hold and request confirmation that the manager in charge of that project has authorized it).
By this point, in all likelihood the person doing the request will give up. If not and you do get a go ahead, you’re now fully covered to take tons of time, do a bad job of it and it’s will officially be the fault of the person who asked you to do it.
I have ended up in this situation! The first commenter is extremely right. Realistically, your manager doesn’t want you wasting time on a “learning opportunity”. They need you doing what you’re good at
Not trying to troll you but technically, that would also preclude being able to expand your skillset since you can only do what you‘re already good at.
Then again, I‘m probably splitting hairs. Thanks for elaborating.
By this point, in all likelihood the person doing the request will give up.
I have found in a majority of cases, they don’t even remember requesting it. I give those requests the scream test: don’t do it and see if they even notice. Sometimes they do, depending on the management, but most jobs like the OP cartoon just say stuff to look important in the moment and have zero follow up plans to make sure it was done.
In this kind of thing you just go full on formal by requiring the request via e-mail, were you notify them that you’re not qualified to do it and require confirmation (and, if applicable, confirmation that your own manager authorizes it).
(Also if you are busy with some other project, be very very explicit it will have to be put on hold and request confirmation that the manager in charge of that project has authorized it).
By this point, in all likelihood the person doing the request will give up. If not and you do get a go ahead, you’re now fully covered to take tons of time, do a bad job of it and it’s will officially be the fault of the person who asked you to do it.
Great advice, thanks! With my honesty and gullibility I probably will end up in that situation anyway though. :)
I have ended up in this situation! The first commenter is extremely right. Realistically, your manager doesn’t want you wasting time on a “learning opportunity”. They need you doing what you’re good at
Not trying to troll you but technically, that would also preclude being able to expand your skillset since you can only do what you‘re already good at.
Then again, I‘m probably splitting hairs. Thanks for elaborating.
I should clarify. I mean things completely out of your scope of responsibility or career trajectory
Yes, this is the right way to do it.
Even without directly requesting permission I usually try send a follow up email.
Something like:
I have found in a majority of cases, they don’t even remember requesting it. I give those requests the scream test: don’t do it and see if they even notice. Sometimes they do, depending on the management, but most jobs like the OP cartoon just say stuff to look important in the moment and have zero follow up plans to make sure it was done.