When you face a coworker who rudely says, “That’s not my job,” it can be a frustrating situation. Sometimes, a manager may need to step in if the employee consistently refuses to cover their responsibility.
But, if you want to deal with such employees yourself effectively and tell them it’s their job and duty, you can try these responses.
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Professional Responses To “That’s Not My Job”
- 1. “I understand it’s not in your usual duties; however, could we consider a temporary adjustment?”
You ask if they can help just for a little while, not forever. This makes it easier for them to agree.
- 2. “We all need a hand sometimes, even with tasks that aren’t our main job. Can I count on you this time?”
“We all need a hand,” highlights that everyone sometimes has to do things outside their regular duties. This promotes a sense of teamwork and cooperation.
- 3. “This is a crucial task now, and your skills would be perfect for it.”
Everyone likes to feel that their talents are recognized and appreciated. Saying that their skills are perfect for it makes the person feel valued.
- 4. “It’s not just about the job; it’s about helping the team.”
By mentioning the team, it encourages the person to think about how their actions affect others. This can motivate them to step in and help.
- 5. “Could you help me understand who might be better suited for this, or how we might adjust responsibilities?”
Team members are likely to feel more engaged and valued when they are involved in shaping their roles and responsibilities.
Flattering Responses
- 1. “You have a knack for making tough tasks look easy. I bet you’d excel at this too!”
When you tell someone you believe in their capabilities, it boosts their confidence. They may feel more willing to take on tasks outside their usual role.
- 2. “Your positive attitude always makes a difference. Would you consider this challenge?”
Framing the task as a challenge can be motivating. Many people enjoy taking on challenges because they can be rewarding and provide a sense of accomplishment.
- 3. “You’ve always been the go-to person when it comes to stepping up. Could you lend us your expertise on this one, please?”
This reply recognizes their past efforts and how they have helped before. This makes them feel important and respected.
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- 4. “Everyone here respects your work ethic and creativity. Could you help guide us through this task?”
When people are reminded of their good qualities, they often want to show them. This makes the person more comfortable and open to helping.
Funny Responses
- 1. “Understood. Shall we draw straws, or do you prefer rock-paper-scissors?”
Sometimes, when people talk about job responsibilities, it can create tension. This response can make the situation lighter and more relaxed.
- 2. “Of course, you’re right! Your job is to make it my job.”
Sometimes, when people say “That’s not my job,” it can lead to arguments or bad feelings. This kind of funny response can help stop that before it starts.
- 3. “I understand, you’re here for the good looks, not the hard work!”
Use this only with people you know well or in casual settings. It might not be suitable for formal or serious situations.
- 4. “Exactly, you’re in charge of keeping that chair warm. Great job!”
You didn’t take the complaint too seriously and avoided any tension or argument. Use this only when you know the person will take it in a good spirit and not get offended.
Sarcastic Responses
- 1. “I’ll just wait here while you tell the boss how it’s not your job.”
This makes them person think about how their attitude might look to others, especially to a boss. Sometimes, this can help them see that it’s good to help out, even if the task isn’t exactly in their job description.
- 2. “Ok, Sorry! I must have confused you with someone who does things.”
This will grab their attention. It’s not just another forgettable comment; it sticks with them, maybe even bugs them a bit. This can make them think twice next time before dodging work with the old “not my job” excuse.
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- 3. “Oh, I didn’t realize you were hired just to decorate the office with your presence. My bad.”
Sometimes, people need a bit of tough love to realize they’re being uncooperative. This sarcastic comment might make them reconsider their attitude and be more willing to help next time.
- 4. “Right, saving your energy for all the important things you do. Oh wait, they’re also not your job.”
Use this response to highlight their laziness. It makes them feel embarrassed and might push them to help next time.
- 5. “Your dedication to avoiding work is truly inspirational. We should all aspire to be as useless.”
This response shows how annoying it is when someone avoids their responsibilities. It makes you feel a bit guilty
When And How To Escalate The Issue To A Manager?
To handle this situation effectively, the first step includes talking to the coworker to understand their point of view and checking if their job includes the task. If the issue persists, it’s time to escalate. Talk to your manager.
First, Talk To Your Coworker
Ask if they can assist and highlight how working together can benefit the team. If they still seem unwilling, try to assess if they are busy with other urgent tasks or if they need more clarity about their responsibilities.
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Sometimes, a simple conversation can resolve misunderstandings without needing to escalate the issue to a manager. If the matter remains unresolved, then consider escalating.
When To Escalate
If your coworker continues to refuse to help after multiple attempts of talking to them, escalating the issue might be necessary. A repeated refusal to complete an important task can severely impact the team’s success, especially if the deadline is tight.
Before escalating, ensure you have documented instances of the refusal and the impact on your work. This evidence will help your manager understand the severity of the situation and make an informed decision on how to proceed.
How To Escalate
- Explain that you have asked for their help multiple times and mention your efforts to resolve the issue directly.
- Describe how their refusal impacts the team’s job performance and why it’s crucial to address this.
- Request guidance on how to proceed and follow any advice given to improve the situation.
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