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Workload Self-Insight

I feel like the dumping ground in this company. When there are projects that no one else wants, whether important or trivial, they get dumped on me. Many of these projects waste my time and in some cases embarrass me. Is there anything I can do, or should I just sit back and let them rain down on me?



While you are concerned about projects of all sorts raining down on you, this corporate cloud has a silver lining. The fact that your manager gives you a broad range of assignments reflects his or her positive view of your skills, loyalty, and attitude. Your manager senses that he or she can rely on you to get the job done, no matter what the job might be.

Most jobs contain a broad range of responsibilities that run the gamut from the sublime to the ridiculous. By operating across this spectrum, you are building your value and reputation in the company.

However, you should try to look at yourself as a clearinghouse rather than a dumping ground. As a clearinghouse, your job is to make sure that the work gets done, whether by you or others to whom you delegate the work. You should meet with your manager to discuss the prospect of delegating some of these assignments. You just might find that he or she is comfortable with that strategy, especially if it will help you use your time wisely. This approach has the additional advantage of showcasing some of your managerial skills, and such skills further demonstrate the value you add to the company.




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