You usually follow your supervisor's instructions scrupulously. Sometimes, however, you have to say no. How to do it?
People are in a comfortable position, who know very precisely the scope of their duties. Unfortunately, many bosses are unable or unwilling to define, who belongs to, what each employee is responsible for. If so is your supervisor, try to change it.
It is important to, that your tasks are clearly defined. Thanks to this, you will be able to refuse to execute the command, which visibly goes beyond that, what you are responsible for in the company. Likewise in the case of, when following the boss's request extends your working time. Here, however, be careful: today workers are less and less tolerated, who are at work only "from – do”, they are often required to be available, that is, staying after hours. But no one can demand it, to spend the whole day and a half of the night at work! So you can always protest, when the command exceeds, in your opinion, the limits of common sense. How to do it though, so as not to "fall for” the boss?
You shouldn't be talking:
■ “Why me, or maybe Kowalska?” Since the boss chose you, it has a purpose in it.
■ “I can't do that”. If you say, that you lack the skills, you are taking the risk, that your boss doubts your suitability for the company.
■ “It's not a very good idea”. Even if this is the case, it's not up to you, what's best for the company. Convincing your supervisor, that something, what he came up with, does not make sense, it can only make him angry.
Also remember, not to react aggressively, or rather, speak calmly and in a balanced manner. Cry, hysteria or self-sacrifice are not good methods for this, to get your way.
But try:
■ Use reasonable arguments, e.g.. “I have a lot of work to do, if i do it now, what are you asking for, another urgent task will have to wait”.
■ Ask your boss to assign someone to help. Not immediately, but, for example, after an hour, go to him and say: “I made an action plan, from which it follows, I can't handle myself”.
■ If you have a feeling, that you are incompetent, try skillfully and delicately to suggest it to the boss: "Is a fact, that I am not a specialist in this field, it will not hurt the endeavor?”
■ When you really can't stay overtime on a given day, tell your supervisor this sincerely promising, that you will be happy to do extra work next time. Such a proposal will ease the tension and the boss should not blame him.