Coworkers, meetings and your calendar

“Can you just help Kevin a bit?”

I'm stuck carrying a coworker who does the bare minimum and never gets called out.

What's really going on

  • First question: is this actually costing you something? Extra hours, missing credit, a deadline at risk, or just the irritation of watching something unfair that doesn't touch your results? Those need different responses.
  • Doing the bare minimum rarely happens in a vacuum. It's often unclear expectations, a manager who doesn't hold anyone accountable, burnout, or simply less ambition than you have. None of that is yours to fix for them.
  • Coasting without consequences is contagious. Once one person gets away with it, it quietly resets what "normal effort" means for everyone watching, you included.
  • If your manager already knows and does nothing, that tells you something too. Either there are constraints you can't see, or the accountability gap goes above your coworker.

What to say

Declining an overflow task
"I can't take that one on right now, I think that one's yours. Happy to point you to where I'd start, though."

Change the words so they sound like you, but keep the tone.

Still in the guide for this situation

  • 7 steps to take, in order
  • 4 more word-for-word scripts
  • 3 mistakes to avoid
  • 2 signs it's time to escalate or leave

Plus the 24 other situations and the bonus chapter.

Cover of the guide: Corp life: I've already suffered so you don't have to
PDF guide · 92 pages

Corp life: I've already suffered so you don't have to

  • All 25 situations, each with what's really going on, the steps, the exact words, what not to do and when to leave
  • A “walk in curious” primer and a bonus chapter on the mindset that makes all of it easier
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Questions

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Can I get a refund?

Yes. If the guide isn't for you, email support@corpcope.org within 14 days of purchase and we will refund you in full. No questions asked. See the refund policy.

Is this legal or HR advice?

No. It is general career guidance based on experience. For decisions with legal or financial consequences, such as a contract, a dismissal or a discrimination complaint, talk to a qualified professional where you live.

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