By J. Mason
Online Career Tips Staff
Ever feel like some of the things you do at work are below your skill set? Or maybe because you didn’t cause the problem you shouldn’t be the one fixing it? Unfortunately, when you’re part of a team (at work) you sometimes have to perform tasks that are beneath you and not your fault. Mostly everyone you work will have to do this at one point or another. The last thing you want to do is tell your boss you’re too overqualified for something so trivial. Best rule of thumb here is to just keep it to yourself.
You may need a pep talk with yourself, if what you’re being asked to do is really beneath you. It’s understandable to be offended by the request, but it happens, and more often than not it’s because others are too busy to do it themselves or maybe because they trust that you’ll do it better the second time.
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Some other things to consider not saying to your boss would be that you’re too busy to help out, the task is so easy anyone can do it, and a simple “I don’t know”. Everyone around you should be busy, and complaining about it might send the message that you can’t handle the stress. Instead take the task with grace, and ask about a flexible time frame to complete it if it’s not high priority.
Simplifying a task might suggest to your boss that you think the work is stupid. Just don’t say it out loud. If the work you initially agreed to when you got your job has turned out to be too elementary for you then maybe you should set up a meeting to discuss increasing your role and responsibilities. Complaining that the tasks you’re receiving are too easy instead could come off as whiny and not productive.
One last pet peeve is “I don’t know” or “It can’t be done.” The best way to work this is out is trial and error. Exhaust your resources before you come to this conclusion. These statements are usually impulsive, which could read very badly on your work ethic to your boss. When you don’t know something right away, try figuring it out for yourself first. This shows initiative as well as ingenuity. Your boss will appreciate the effort if you come back to them with a list of places you’ve gone to complete the task…especially since crossing out the other avenues may save them time too.
Just remember this key message, when there’s doubt, silence is your best bet. Don’t blurt the first thing that comes to mind, unless it’s a solution to the problem. Don’t turn down a good opportunity just because you think what’s being asked of you is too trivial.
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