Whether it’s because co-workers resigned, a hiring freeze, or new projects, tons of career women today are trying to do the job of two or three people.  Workload overload has become an epidemic that’s wearing us all out!

Just like Jessica who asked me:

 “I would like to know how to stay positive when people leave the company and all their work falls on you. I have to get 3 people's job done.  How do you keep going?”

Here are 3 strategies to bring your workload overload down to size (watch the video version here): 

1.    Stop thinking you have to do it all! This isn’t the time to throw on your red cape and save the day by doing it all so that your boss is happy, you’re exhausted, and no one makes any adjustments but you. It’s not only unreasonable to ask you to do the work of several people – it’s impossible!

2.    Step back and start thinking like your boss.  He or she has the responsibility to the organization to produce certain results.  But not all activity is created equal.  You need to figure out which activities your boss cares about the most and focus there.

Ask your manager what are the top 3 – 4 goals for your work group right now.  Then, make a list of 10 – 15 activities that you are currently doing that take up most of your time.  Next, map your activities to your manager’s top goals.  Some activities will easily relate.  Others may not be tied to any goals, which make them easy to drop or decrease.

Share your analysis with your boss and get feedback.  Let them know that you will be spending your time on the most important activities to accomplish the department’s most important goals.  Also let them know that if the goals change, you are happy to change your activity mix.  Savvy bosses will be impressed. 

3.    Stick with your plan.  If your boss asks you to do something that’s not on the list, gently remind him or her where you are spending your time and ask for their help in making adjustments.

Simply say “I’d be happy to do that.  It’s not one of the activities I’m currently focused on, so which activity can take a back seat while I take care of this new item?”  He or she may not be all smiles with your question, but remember, part of a manager’s job is to make tough choices to get the most important results for the organization.

Image:  Bodacious! Ventures

About Mary Foley

Get more free resources to increase your career confidence at MaryFoley.com, including your Free Sanity, Confidence & Fun Action Pack with eBooks How to Thrive on Shift & Change for Your Career and What Every Woman Must Know About Office Politics eBooks. Mary inspires women with practical advice to create sanity in your life and confidence in your career – all while having a bit of fun!  She is the author of three books, a popular national speaker, and former co-host of the Girlfriend We Gotta Talk! radio show.  Find out more at http://www.maryfoley.com.