How to Respond When Your Boss Asks You to Do Something: A Tactful Approach

Getting assigned a new task or project by your boss is a normal part of any job. However you may sometimes be asked to do something that gives you pause, whether due to other commitments or ethical concerns. How you respond in these situations is crucial. Learn how to thoughtfully and tactfully reply when your boss makes an unexpected request.

Stay Calm and Clarify the Request

The first step is simply gaining a clear understanding of what your boss is asking Listen carefully and without interrupting Take notes so you understand all the key details. If needed, politely ask clarifying questions about

• Exactly what you’re being asked to do
• The purpose or goal
• Any specific requirements or guidelines
• Priority level and timelines
• Resources or budget available

By calmly clarifying everything up front, you ensure you fully comprehend what is needed before responding. This also buys you a bit more time to think through your reply.

Consider Your Schedule and Commitments

Before agreeing to take on a new assignment, privately review your current workload and schedule. Make an honest assessment of what you realistically have time and capacity to do.

• What deadlines and commitments do you already have?
• What projects would be disrupted or delayed if you take this on?
• Do you have the bandwidth to produce quality work given your current responsibilities?

Be very thoughtful at this stage about whether you can deliver without causing issues. It’s better to politely push back now than to commit and under-deliver.

Determine if There are Ethical Concerns

Another key consideration is whether the request raises any ethical red flags or would violate your personal code of conduct. For example:

• Does it require dishonesty or crossing legal/ethical lines?
• Are you being asked to do something potentially harmful or dangerous?
• Could the task put your own job or reputation at risk?

Carefully reflect on these types of questions when deciding how to respond. Don’t ignore your instincts if something feels morally questionable.

Reply Professionally and Tactfully

Once you’ve gathered all the relevant information, you’re ready to formulate your reply. Here are some tips for responding professionally, while also politely standing your ground if needed:

• Thank your boss for considering you for the assignment. Express appreciation for their confidence in your skills.

• If accepting the request, confirm your commitment to prioritizing it and meeting stated deadlines. Provide a timeline if needed.

• If declining or questioning the request, humbly explain your reasons why. Stick to logistics and facts.

• Offer potential solutions, like deadline extensions, handing off other work, getting help from colleagues, or identifying alternative staff for the task.

• Use tactful yet direct language. Don’t just hint at reluctance indirectly, but don’t be overtly insubordinate either.

• If there are ethical concerns, carefully express your reservations while affirming commitment to the company’s principles. Seek advice from higher up leaders if needed.

The key is finding the right balance between pushing back when warranted while still demonstrating professionalism, flexibility and a solutions-focused attitude.

Sample Responses to a Boss’s Request

Here are some sample scripts for responding diplomatically when your boss asks you to take on an additional task:

Accepting the Request

Declining Due to Capacity

“I’m grateful that you thought of me for this. Unfortunately with the Johnson account deadline next week and the product launch prep, my plate is extremely full through the end of March. I worry I wouldn’t be able to give this the attention you need right now. Do you think we could revisit this in April when some of my other projects wrap up? I’d be happy to take it on then.”

Questioning Unethical Requests

“I want to better understand the purpose behind this request. Some aspects seem concerning to me. I want to ensure I have all the information so I can appropriately represent our company’s vision and values.”

Follow Up Appropriately

How you follow up after the initial response is also important:

• If you accept, deliver excellent work on time.
• If you decline, proactively update your boss on when you could take on the task later.
• If questioning ethics, discreetly seek counsel from HR on next steps.

Continuing the dialogue shows professionalism and commitment to finding solutions.

Don’t Avoid Tough Conversations

Having tactful yet candid conversations in the moment prevents bigger problems down the road. While it’s uneasy to push back on the boss, communicating hurdles transparently and brainstorming fixes demonstrates leadership skills. Learning how to respond thoughtfully when faced with unrealistic or unethical requests from your manager is a valuable professional skill. With practice, it gets easier stand up for yourself while still being a respectful team player.