Many of us work in a culture that encourages us to “be a team player” and “go above and beyond.” Sometimes, that means taking on tasks that aren’t exactly part of our role—and these tasks can end up consuming a meaningful portion of the day. I’m willing to bet you’ve wondered whether those tasks are really worth it.
Your primary tasks are often clearly defined—through documentation, training, or your manager. Then there are the secondary tasks that arise from company goals, personal goals, job necessities, helping others, or professional development.
If you find that secondary tasks are crowding out your primary responsibilities, it’s time to reassess your priorities.
First, make sure your primary responsibilities are clearly defined. If they’re not, work with your manager to establish them. Then, collaborate with your manager to determine what percentage of your time should be spent on secondary tasks. Your manager may not be fully aware of everything you do, so you’ll need to provide visibility. I recommend taking an initial pass at estimating what portion of your workload should be devoted to secondary tasks.
Once this framework is in place, you’ll have greater authority to say “no” when necessary.