WHEN AN EMPLOYEE SAYS, "THAT'S NOT MY JOB!"


	Nobody is very happy when workers say, "That's not my job!"
Whether you're truly asking them to do something extra, or they're
simply expressing the desire to do no more than they must, the
result is the same: you feel frustrated, the worker feels threatened --
and both of you would probably rather do just about anything than
continue a face-off.

	So don't.

	Instead, back up and re-think your approach.  While a blunt "I
need you to do this" might work some times, most employees
respond better to a more reasoned request.     This doesn't mean you
should beg your people to do their basic tasks.  But when you're
asking them to do something above and beyond the daily routine, it's
only fair that you take special care with your instructions.  Here's
how to try again--or how to start in the first place.

	1.  EXPLAIN THE NEED  Tell employees why the special work
needs to be done.  Describe the benefit: what will be earned, saved,
delivered, fixed, produced, solved, or improved?  Letting employees
know why the work matters makes doing it seem more worthwhile.

	2.  WHY ME?  Don't let employees think bad luck is the only
reason they're being asked to take on something extra.  Tell them
why you think they're especially qualified to do a good job.

	3.  ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE  Point out the appealing parts
of the work.  Will the employee learn something new?  Will she
interact with interesting people?  Does the task offer a break from
the daily routine?     If extra work might lead to a promotion or
bonus, be clear about how and when.  Avoid vague promises.
Instead, give workers as much positive, specific information about
potential payoffs as you can.

	4.  LIMIT THE ASSIGNMENT.  Let employees know how long
you'll need them to do the extra work.  What will need to happen for
things to return to normal?  Can they do anything to make that time
come faster?     Review regular job priorities in light of the new
assignment.  If possible, reduce the worker's load in some other area,
or at least extend deadlines as necessary to make the new work fit
into a reasonably demanding schedule.

	5.  REWARD THE RESPONSIVE EMPLOYEE.  No matter how
expertly you assign special tasks, employees won't admire your
technique unless you show your appreciation.  Praise is good, but it's
not enough.  In addition to thanking people, reward them.  Give them
fun assignments when you can.  Or let them take an afternoon off.  Or
buy them lunch.  But whatever you do, make sure employees know
why you're doing it.  You'll give the extra work a happy ending and
make it easier to assign special work in the future.

Does that help? YES or NO