How do you professionally and respectfully tell someone their request is literally at the bottom of your priority list? I’m 4 years into my career, and I’m still struggling with how to tell people I have more important things to work on.

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I would something like:
thank you for the request for XYZ. Given my current my workload, I may not be able to start on your request until x date”
Or
Thank you for your request to XYZ, I have several requests competing for a limited amount of time. As such, I’ve prioritized the requests and I anticipate being able to focus on yours by x date.

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Is it something that you’re responsible for? If so, I’d make the time. If there’s a self service option, I’d direct them to that.
You can let them know you’re working on hard deadlines and confirm receipt of their email and will respond as soon as you’re able.

I think you can tell them that you'd be happy to take it on, but you don't really have the bandwidth right now and don't know when you will. That way it's not like you're not a team player, it's just not something you're capable of doing in the near future.

Just be honest with them. Let them know you've got high priority tasks and need to deal with those first. If it's something you're required to do, don't make it sound too dramatic, but just let them know you can't deal with it immediately.

I’ll usually say something like, "It’s on my list - just behind a few fires I’m putting out first. I’ll circle back once I clear those." It gets the point across without sounding harsh.

I am usually as honest as I can be. I will tell them "I will get to that as soon as I can but I have other things that take priority right now." At the end of the day, truth is always best.

I also think honesty is the best policy, just be quite frank but kind and say you absolutely can take it on, but you have deadlines to meet ahead of being able to focus on that task!

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