What would you do if a boss (at least 2 levels higher than you) appoints you to a task that you are sure you’ll never be able to deliver?
Swallow it, pray that you’ll still be able to contribute a little, just because he’s your boss?
Or tell him plainly that you can’t do it?
Here’s what happened to me this morning:
A Management Team personnel asked me to ‘take care’ of the documentations for a new project which is supposed to be implemented in my division – not mine directly, but a few hundreds personnel whom I’m liaising with. How many documents? Less than 30. How many people I have in my team? Two. And we’re already choked up with other tasks. Oh, maybe I should highlight this: a couple of weeks ago, this very same guy told his boss that his team will take care of the documentation!
My first respond to his ‘request’ was : “I thought you said you’re going to do the documentation?”
Immediately, his face changed and he said, “So you wanna play hard?”. Threatening... ooohhhh... I’m not scared bastard. In fact, I’ve actually expected this. But what did your team of high-achievers do? Stared at their laptop screens or the table. Macam ayam makan kapur. So much for high achievers huh?
I was only recapping what he had committed to HIS own boss, in the presence of my bosses and colleagues. And, thinking he’s so smart that he can get away with this, he only invited me to this meeting. The one and ONLY person who was present at the meeting earlier. Not my bosses and none of my colleagues.
Sorry, loser, I’ve worked with you before and I know your game plan. I’m not going to be your herd of ‘Yes, Boss’ slaves to work our shit off and let you have the glory. And I’m definitely not going to make my team to do the same. Especially when, earlier on, they have been doing hard work for you but what you have highlighted to your boss are the things they couldn’t do. What they have contributed to you, you claimed that it’s YOUR team’s effort!
I told his team that I’m only going to assist and advice on what should be documented and not actually writing the documents. He raised his voice while his team stirred in their seats (I swear they’d dive into their laptops if they could) but I kept to my words. In the end, (still with his voice raised) he said he only wanted me to help advice what should be there in the documents but his team will do all the paperwork. That sounds so familiar, right? Wait, that was what I asked for in the first place, what got him shouting at me! Only now that everybody finally dared to raise their heads. And stared at me with “uh-oh, you’re in deep shit” look. Who cares? I made my point, he agreed to it, and everybody heard the decision.
At the end of the meeting, he said “No hard feelings, I just can’t take no for an answer. Let’s get this over with”. Fine. As long as I don’t have to do somebody else’s job.
Funny thing is, as soon as the meeting ended (and before I even leave the room!) his ‘right-hand man’ sat next to him and they talked quietly. (So gay! Haha!) In lowered voice I heard him say “I just can’t take it when people say that”. I looked in their direction, and his buddy was staring at me with such hatred! If looks could kill, I would have been dead by now! LMAO!
Another of his team member came to me, and told me I didn’t have to worry about the document write-up in the first place. Of course, they’ll be doing it. They won’t push everything to me. Yeah, you’ve only worked for him... how long? 2 months? I just smiled and looked at another of his team member, who smiled back. Only we know how it’s going to be. Yeah, this other guy used to be one of those people who had to do all the dirty work. Maybe that’s why he decided to change team – so he doesn’t have to do it anymore.
So within one month I managed to make someone shout at me in a meeting – I’m sure that’s something nobody would expect of me. Not with my quiet, obedient outlook. Especially not after I return from this ‘Management Development Training’. I’m sure the only thing people think I’d do is to follow other people’s orders, just like everyone else. But sorry, that’s not me. I’ve always been a strong-headed person. And if there’s one thing I learnt during the past year, it’s to stick to your grounds when you know it’s the right thing. I knew this all along actually, but never strong enough to actually fight back. But now I’m stronger.
