Hi all,
I am a 22-year-old woman. I have completed one year in my company. My boss is an Operations Manager. He has assigned me certain tasks, in addition to my daily responsibilities. There is an Assistant Manager in my company who is also a woman. She wants to implement some technical changes and has requested me to assist. However, I am already occupied with my own tasks.
She approached me verbally to inquire whether her requests were feasible. I responded, "It is possible; however, this is a very complex and significant change. Please discuss this with my boss."
She proceeded to ask me about the details of the work, the time required, and the deadline. How could I provide accurate information when I have not tackled such a project before? While I could conceptualize the logic, implementing it across 620 applications presents a major challenge. My boss did not intervene in the conversation. I also mentioned to her that I have tasks assigned by my boss along with my daily workload. Her response was, "Your boss has not shown output in the last few months. What will..."
From India, Mumbai
I am a 22-year-old woman. I have completed one year in my company. My boss is an Operations Manager. He has assigned me certain tasks, in addition to my daily responsibilities. There is an Assistant Manager in my company who is also a woman. She wants to implement some technical changes and has requested me to assist. However, I am already occupied with my own tasks.
She approached me verbally to inquire whether her requests were feasible. I responded, "It is possible; however, this is a very complex and significant change. Please discuss this with my boss."
She proceeded to ask me about the details of the work, the time required, and the deadline. How could I provide accurate information when I have not tackled such a project before? While I could conceptualize the logic, implementing it across 620 applications presents a major challenge. My boss did not intervene in the conversation. I also mentioned to her that I have tasks assigned by my boss along with my daily workload. Her response was, "Your boss has not shown output in the last few months. What will..."
From India, Mumbai
She replied that "Your boss has not shown any output in the last few months, so what will he show now?" I told her that making any change is always a big challenge because you need to analyze 620 applications to understand their matrix. She then said, "You and I can do it together."
Now, tell me, even one of our technical heads never attempted to bring this change because 4-5 volunteers are required. So the summary is:
1. She dealt with me before dealing with my boss because she knows that she can control me (as I don't have the authority to say NO).
2. She is asking me for deadlines for work that I have never done, making it difficult to estimate the time required.
3. She is disrupting my planned schedules.
4. If she can approach me, why can't she approach other people in the company to volunteer for this work for the next 15 days only, so the burden on each will be reduced?
5. Why can't she ask one of the technical heads about the complexity involved in this project?
6. She is just sitting next to me, eating my head, and frustrating me to try and get the output, despite the fact that I also have other daily work to do.
I want to complain about this but need suggestions to know if my concerns are legal or not. Please, can someone help me? I really need help. I am all alone.
From India, Mumbai
Now, tell me, even one of our technical heads never attempted to bring this change because 4-5 volunteers are required. So the summary is:
1. She dealt with me before dealing with my boss because she knows that she can control me (as I don't have the authority to say NO).
2. She is asking me for deadlines for work that I have never done, making it difficult to estimate the time required.
3. She is disrupting my planned schedules.
4. If she can approach me, why can't she approach other people in the company to volunteer for this work for the next 15 days only, so the burden on each will be reduced?
5. Why can't she ask one of the technical heads about the complexity involved in this project?
6. She is just sitting next to me, eating my head, and frustrating me to try and get the output, despite the fact that I also have other daily work to do.
I want to complain about this but need suggestions to know if my concerns are legal or not. Please, can someone help me? I really need help. I am all alone.
From India, Mumbai
Kiran,
This is an internal matter within your company regarding job responsibilities. No legal remedy is available. You mentioned that she is not your boss, so how can she direct you to take on additional responsibilities? What is your reporting matrix? Discuss this with your immediate manager and explain your situation. If your immediate manager is unresponsive, escalate the issue to the next level.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
This is an internal matter within your company regarding job responsibilities. No legal remedy is available. You mentioned that she is not your boss, so how can she direct you to take on additional responsibilities? What is your reporting matrix? Discuss this with your immediate manager and explain your situation. If your immediate manager is unresponsive, escalate the issue to the next level.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
Dear Kiran,
Don't be so upset. As you gain experience with age, you will understand that these are pressure tactics used by many employees in organizations to avoid direct responsibility. From your email, it is clear that there are two hierarchies: operational and functional. You did not mention who your reporting boss is. Remember, your job, as per your appointment, should be your first priority. Take some time to note down the issues (diplomatically) and sit with your reporting boss. Deal with this matter firmly without being stressed or harassed in any way. Remember, people are passively watching your activities. Never lose your temper. I hope you can find your own way to solve this matter.
Saswat
From India, Faridabad
Don't be so upset. As you gain experience with age, you will understand that these are pressure tactics used by many employees in organizations to avoid direct responsibility. From your email, it is clear that there are two hierarchies: operational and functional. You did not mention who your reporting boss is. Remember, your job, as per your appointment, should be your first priority. Take some time to note down the issues (diplomatically) and sit with your reporting boss. Deal with this matter firmly without being stressed or harassed in any way. Remember, people are passively watching your activities. Never lose your temper. I hope you can find your own way to solve this matter.
Saswat
From India, Faridabad
Hi Kiran,
Saswat is absolutely right that these are nothing but pressure tactics. You also come across as a dedicated employee of your company, as you perform additional tasks for your boss, in addition to your regular duties.
However, from what I understand, you seem to have adopted a negative mindset. I would like to provide feedback on your summary point by point:
1. Nevertheless, she is senior.
2. Convey the same point to her directly.
3. Avoid drafting your plans like the Indian Constitution, which may be overly rigid and complex. In today's competitive world, it is essential to make your plans and schedules as flexible and dynamic as possible to meet the demands of the moment.
4 & 5. If you can think and write elaborately here, why can't you suggest all these ideas to her as well? Do not get frustrated. Stay composed and confident. Do not miss the chance to take the initiative. This way, you will receive more recognition for your work and gain valuable experience for the future.
6. She may be pressuring you, as you mentioned, because she needs the work done. Since she has already offered to collaborate with you, this is an excellent opportunity to assert yourself with your senior. You can request her assistance with some initial tasks. By the time she finishes those tasks, you can complete yours and then assign her new ones.
My final advice to you is, 'Whatever you do, do it smartly, positively, and correctly.'
Regards,
RR.
From India, Mumbai
Saswat is absolutely right that these are nothing but pressure tactics. You also come across as a dedicated employee of your company, as you perform additional tasks for your boss, in addition to your regular duties.
However, from what I understand, you seem to have adopted a negative mindset. I would like to provide feedback on your summary point by point:
1. Nevertheless, she is senior.
2. Convey the same point to her directly.
3. Avoid drafting your plans like the Indian Constitution, which may be overly rigid and complex. In today's competitive world, it is essential to make your plans and schedules as flexible and dynamic as possible to meet the demands of the moment.
4 & 5. If you can think and write elaborately here, why can't you suggest all these ideas to her as well? Do not get frustrated. Stay composed and confident. Do not miss the chance to take the initiative. This way, you will receive more recognition for your work and gain valuable experience for the future.
6. She may be pressuring you, as you mentioned, because she needs the work done. Since she has already offered to collaborate with you, this is an excellent opportunity to assert yourself with your senior. You can request her assistance with some initial tasks. By the time she finishes those tasks, you can complete yours and then assign her new ones.
My final advice to you is, 'Whatever you do, do it smartly, positively, and correctly.'
Regards,
RR.
From India, Mumbai
Dear Kiran,
Instead of verbal negotiations or boiling your blood within yourself, it is better to put it down in writing and submit the proposal of the Assistant Manager and your own assessment about the job along with the workload of your own job to your boss. Ask for formal advice from your boss. This approach would serve the purpose of both your complaint against the intruding Assistant manager and the presentation of the real picture about the additional job versus your own job. It would also cover any delays caused in accomplishing such tasks.
From India, Delhi
Instead of verbal negotiations or boiling your blood within yourself, it is better to put it down in writing and submit the proposal of the Assistant Manager and your own assessment about the job along with the workload of your own job to your boss. Ask for formal advice from your boss. This approach would serve the purpose of both your complaint against the intruding Assistant manager and the presentation of the real picture about the additional job versus your own job. It would also cover any delays caused in accomplishing such tasks.
From India, Delhi
First of all, make a plan on how to complete your work. If you need some assistance, then inform your senior who assigned you this task. Work accurately but at a slower pace. This will help you stay stress-free. Simple, isn't it?
From India, Calcutta
From India, Calcutta
Dear Kiran0801,
Don't worry, I think you have just joined this corporate world and are not comfortable with the politics. Take your work on a priority basis. First, do the task assigned by your manager, and then do the other pending tasks given by other functional managers.
Dear, have the guts to say NO rather than making false commitments. Be confident and positive; this is just the beginning of your career, so don't get nervous.
Thank you.
From India, Mumbai
Don't worry, I think you have just joined this corporate world and are not comfortable with the politics. Take your work on a priority basis. First, do the task assigned by your manager, and then do the other pending tasks given by other functional managers.
Dear, have the guts to say NO rather than making false commitments. Be confident and positive; this is just the beginning of your career, so don't get nervous.
Thank you.
From India, Mumbai
Dear Kiran,
It's a part of professional life. Always remember one MANTRA "PROFESSIONAL SHOULD NOT REACT." Follow the proper communication chain and ask her to do the same politely. Just as an example, I always CC my reporting in each mail, and if someone mentions it verbally, I reply with a request, "I am proceeding with your request parallelly; please email me with CC to XYZ." This will always help me complete my tasks on time and is also the shortest way to prioritize your tasks.
As suggested by Poonam, be confident and positive, dear :) Being a part of the Admin/HR profession, we should never get nervous.
Regards,
Amruta
From India, Bhopal
It's a part of professional life. Always remember one MANTRA "PROFESSIONAL SHOULD NOT REACT." Follow the proper communication chain and ask her to do the same politely. Just as an example, I always CC my reporting in each mail, and if someone mentions it verbally, I reply with a request, "I am proceeding with your request parallelly; please email me with CC to XYZ." This will always help me complete my tasks on time and is also the shortest way to prioritize your tasks.
As suggested by Poonam, be confident and positive, dear :) Being a part of the Admin/HR profession, we should never get nervous.
Regards,
Amruta
From India, Bhopal
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