This is most definately an issue for helpful, ‘doer’ workers.
It takes a while to get out of that default setting of being a helpful team player and a bit more ‘self centred’ for want of a better word.
I’ve been there, I enjoy helping people but in the past it got to the point that people would ask me for confirmation even when they already knew what to do, and I was enforcing their behaviour.
I find it’s better to shut the question down with a quick response, because if you ask “is it urgent?” Or “why is it urgent?” and they explain, then you’ve got this back and forth where you’re trying not to take on the responsibility but they could be giving you more reasons why they need your help.
Also good advice! Making the swap can be jarring for your staff, so the expectation setting is critical ahead of time so when you have to cut people off and send them back, they have a grounding as to why. :)
This is most definately an issue for helpful, ‘doer’ workers.
It takes a while to get out of that default setting of being a helpful team player and a bit more ‘self centred’ for want of a better word.
I’ve been there, I enjoy helping people but in the past it got to the point that people would ask me for confirmation even when they already knew what to do, and I was enforcing their behaviour.
I find it’s better to shut the question down with a quick response, because if you ask “is it urgent?” Or “why is it urgent?” and they explain, then you’ve got this back and forth where you’re trying not to take on the responsibility but they could be giving you more reasons why they need your help.
Also good advice! Making the swap can be jarring for your staff, so the expectation setting is critical ahead of time so when you have to cut people off and send them back, they have a grounding as to why. :)
Yes! and then using all your might not to feel bad about it afterwards haha
Helping us heal our relationship to time... yesssss!