3 Times You Need to Push Back at Work

Learn how to say ‘no’ to safeguard your reputation as a standout employee.

By Caroline Zaayer Kaufman, Monster contributor

You want to be known as the person who gets things done at work, taking on assignments and knocking them out of the park. You want to get noticed by the higher-ups in hopes of propelling your career forward. You do not want to be the person who utters the phrase, "That is not my job," and isn't considered a team player. But you also don't want to be taken advantage of. There are more polite and professional ways to push back when you're being asked to do something you're incapable of doing.

Fact is, being a people pleaser isn’t always the way to earn respect at work. In fact, there are times when saying no at work, whether it's to an assignment or a direct request, might be in the best interest of your reputation, your career, and even the company.

How can you determine whether to push back on the demands being made of you? These are three times when saying no is the only way to go.

Push Back in These 3 Instances

1. When You Don’t Have the Resources

There is a difference between thinking you’ll do a poor job and knowing for sure that you will. The possibility of failure isn’t by itself a reason to refuse a project—some failures can be great learning experiences for you and your team. But if, after consideration, you know you can’t possibly deliver on what you’re being asked, it’s probably best to push back.

How can you gauge the outcome in advance? Start by asking yourself if you have all the necessary tools to complete the assignment properly. This could include access to data, additional manpower, special equipment, etc. Determine if you're being asked to perform duties that are beyond your ability. Again, don't fall back into "that's not my job" territory—present your case professionally.

For your career’s sake, you want to produce the best results, and you can’t do that if you aren’t set up for success. Would a construction crew be able to build a great house with just a hammer and some wood? Not likely. Furthermore, the finished product wouldn’t reflect well back on the crew.

Don’t risk damaging your reputation and professional brand. Sometimes it’s better to gracefully decline or use the conversation to revisit expectations about your role in the assignment. Explain to your boss why your current resources aren’t cutting it and exactly what you’d need to deliver exceptional results.

2. When the Timeline Is Unreasonable

Another clear indication that you should push back is if your plate is full and time is of the essence.

Look at the deadline you’re given. Is it doable? Are you allowed to put your other duties on hold to focus on this new project, or are you expected to keep up with your daily responsibilities and get it all done?

If you can’t deliver great work, then don’t say yes just to say yes. Your credibility is on the line. Promising something you know isn’t possible only makes everyone come out of the experience unhappy because no one gets what they want.

Instead, present a deadline that is more feasible. That way you’ll show your boss that you aren’t shirking responsibility but that you’re more interested in doing a great job rather than simply beating the clock.

3. When You Feel the Request Is Unethical

No matter how much you hate saying no at work, refusing to do something you think is morally wrong or possibly even illegal will give you a reputation as someone with integrity.

A good leader knows if something isn’t appropriate or isn’t the right thing to do. For example, you may be asked to fudge reports in favor of the company, deliberately mislead clients, or something more illicit.

Your desire to get ahead should never cloud your better judgment. Going against your moral compass is an automatic no. It’s never worth your integrity.

Explain that you’re not comfortable doing what you’ve been asked. If your wishes are not respected, it’s a real red flag and you should start combing Monster for a new job sooner rather than later. Doing something unethical will not go unnoticed because someone always finds out.

Find a Better Fit

Knowing when to push back is a lot smarter than telling your boss and co-workers, "That is not my job," and bailing on them. But when you find yourself being asked to deliver the impossible (and possibly unethical) more times than you can count, it's time to plan your exit. Need some help with that? Make a Monster profile. It’s free, easy, and can help you with every step of your job search, including contacting recruiters. Let Monster help you take the first steps to a better-fitting job today.