big work load

[susan1234]

What is the best way to handle a situation when my  boss gives me a bunch of tasks to do and says she wants them done today and I know that I cannot do it all. In the past I have asked her to prioritize and her response would be that they are all high priority.  Thank you.

[gee4]

Hi Susan,

I have a real bug bear when it comes to this kind of thing because realistically we can only give our attention to one task at a time, that's if our bosses want it done properly.

You have to make sure you keep your boss informed at every step of the way ie. regular updates so he/she knows where you are and how much you have progressed, and also whether or not you are going to complete by the deadline.

Try and prioritise things yourself eg.  by deadline or by size of task.  If there are other admins on hand, can you request some assistance?

You could offer to work over your lunch or stay late for an hour just to clear the urgent tasks leaving the next morning clear to start afresh.

I hope that helps a little.  Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Katie G]

I started to respond to this on Friday and realized it was turning into a rant so.....

What I'll state from my rant is that if you have someone who constantly says "It's all high priority", then chances are you have some bad management going on somewhere.  Maybe not your boss herself, but perhaps someone above her or in her level of managment.  It can really wreak havoc on a workplace.

It may fall to you to at lease propose a prioritization if your boss won't/can't.  Nothing formal, but perhaps something like:  "OK Ms. Boss.  What I'll do is start by calling X, and then I'll start producing the slides for the Y meeting this afternoon.  I should be able to get them to you by 11 for you to review them.  Then I'll work on that mailing that needs to drop ASAP.  I'll see if Susie can spare a half hour or so to help me with that....."

Even if boss doesn't agree at first, or has a reason why she wants the mailing handled before the slides, you've at least given her a framework with which to start.  I used to have to do this with a former boss and it forced him to hit his mental "reset" button and think rationally instead of just panicking that '"It's all urgent!"

[gee4]

Couldn't agree more Katie.  Well said.

[peaches2160]

I agree there is some poor time management skills in the scenario, either with the boss or a superior.  Waiting until the last minute for everything makes it all a high priority.  I agree to set a framework and let them tweak it if needed.  Just so you both have a clear understanding what the deadlines and expectations are.