Lifescripts, 3rd Edition

12Asking Your Supervisor for Relief from a Project

STRATEGY

Trying to get relief from assignments that you either don't have the skill to accomplish or don't have the time to do well is an extremely delicate procedure—one that should never be entered into except when you have no other choice. Unless handled well, this could dramatically alter your supervisor's opinion of you for the worse. That's why it's essential you make sure you have a bona fide reason for the relief—saying you don't have the time simply won't do. The only way to come out of this with minimal damage to your reputation is to frame it as an objective problem for the company. It's not that “you” don't have the time, it's that the project can't be done well in the time allowed or that your department doesn't have the skills necessary to do the job correctly. Expect resistance, since such a reshuffling is going to cost the company money one way or another. The only way to counter bottom‐line objections is to note that the alternatives are increased liability or decreased quality—both likely to be unacceptable. Deflect any personal attacks by saying you place the company's interests before your own. By the way, if your supervisor thinks you're bluffing, refuses your request, and says the increased liability or decreased quality is acceptable, prepare a memo for your files describing the meeting.

TACTICS

• Attitude: Realize this should be used only as a last resort to avoid disaster. At best it will hurt your ...