How do you all deal with last-minute requests that kind of blindside you? I just got asked (Wednesday morning) to pull together slides for a Thursday afternoon meeting I didn’t even know I was presenting in. The ask came from a team member, not my boss, and I’m already juggling a few other priorities. It’s not like this meeting was even on my radar. Curious how you balance being helpful without letting it derail your own work.

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I wouldn't hesitate to push back if it's an unreasonable request, which it sounds like it is. Let your manager know that to get this task done will require you to put your other projects on hold, and ask your boss how you should reprioritize these items. It'll let them know that your coworker is taking advantage of others or, at the very least, planning poorly.

That’s great advice - it’s important to speak up when last-minute requests throw off your workflow!

I would simply tell them that, while I would love to help them, I don't have the bandwidth to do so. One of my biggest mantras is "a lack of planning on their part does not constitute an emergency on my part." It helps me get out of the mindset of people pleasing and remember that my job comes first and if I have time after, I can help out others.

Love that mantra! It’s such a helpful mindset shift! Saying no when you’re at capacity is key to protecting your priorities and avoiding burnout. Your job has to come first, and everything else can wait.

Ugh, I struggle with this so much. Feels like such a disrespect to my time. Normally I try to clarify the urgency and check with my manager before diving in. If I have to say yes, I always try to set boundaries on what I can realistically deliver by the deadline.

I totally relate! Last-minute requests are so frustrating. Clarifying urgency and looping in the boss is a smart move!

I’ve used something like, “I’m currently working on x and x, is there any part of these tasks you can handle so I can have time for the slides?” If their answers is no, mine is usually no too.

I love this approach - offering to shift responsibilities puts the ball back in their court and sets clear limits. If they can’t help, saying no is totally fair.

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