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Anyone use google docs?
I can’t sleep, and I’m very upset about it
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I’ve dealt with this too many times to count. First, I think you should work on reframing it, though. I get that it may feel like you’re being difficult, but by saying no you’re helping them create space for their own growth by learning more while simultaneously protecting your energy. You can be helpful in more ways than just doing the work for them.
Personally, I would use your knowledge to your advantage. Balance your no with what you’re willing to do so it doesn’t make you feel as bad. Tell them something like “I can’t take this on right now, but I’m happy to talk it through with you for a few minutes if you’re stuck.”
Or
“I can’t own this one, but I can look it over once you’re done and give you some feedback or tips.”
If you notice the same kind of stuff keeps ending up in your desk you can say something like “I’ve noticed a lot of these types of issues are coming to me lately. I think it would be better to share the load across the team so everyone knows how to handle this in case I’m ever out for a long period of time or on vacation.”
My go-to that works for me most of the time is something like “I’m at full capacity right now working on ‘blank’ so I won’t be able to work on this until (give a time frame that’s far out but not unbelievable). If your item needs to take priority, I’m happy to shift—but I’d need to pause something else. Would you like me to do that?”
Or
“I’d love to help, but I’m pretty tied up with some priority work. Have you checked with ‘blank’ or looked in ‘blank’ for some guidance yet?”
You got this!
A go-to person should be more of a teacher than a dumping ground. I like the suggestions above, especially the scripts for what to say.
What helped me: writing out my current workload and walking through it with my boss. I said, “Here’s what I’m already handling—if this new thing takes priority, what should I move?” It put the decision back on them.