Yes, we all know that favoritism is a sin. Yet we commit it knowingly or unknowingly on a daily basis. Managers and senior employees also do favoritism.. they assign projects which are good to their favorite employees. So what to do if you are given not-so-great tasks? Or worse, what to do if you are not given any tasks? Here are some things which you can try if you are not given any tasks:
- Try to search for tasks and assign them to yourself and work on those tasks. This lets people know that you work autonomously and it will let them know that you can take initiative.
- Ask for tasks from your manager or the person who usually assigns tasks to you. Let them know that you are free.
- Ask your peers or colleagues if they need help with their tasks or if they have any tasks which they haven't yet started.
- Work on sharpening your skills which are relevant to your job. Obtain online certifications.
Here are some things which you can try if you are given no-so-good tasks:
- First, complete the task which you are given and try to over-deliver. This shows the other person that you have the potential to do more.
- Next, try to ask for a different task which interests you. Let your manager know why you are interested in that task and how your skills would be the perfect fit to complete the task.
- Try to help your colleagues with their task if the tasks which they are doing interest you.
What are your tips on what to do if you are not assigned any tasks or if you are assigned not-so-great tasks at work? Let us know in the comments!
Top comments (6)
Personally, at some point most projects you will work on will be boring, or not "good".
Just spend your time (if you have any) working on your own projects, or contributing to other projects. 90% of the work in this industry is repetitive and mostly not that interesting unfortunately, it's just work and it should be treated as such.
True!
Participate in daily's meting and by giving a good problem solution. This will increase your value in team as well.
Also freelancing is good options if you are working for home and your org is not restricting you . :P
Yes, freelancing is an awesome option to consider! Thanks for your insights!
Great article and really great advices. I would add to learn how to make your tasks public or to let your manager ladder know the things you are doing. This will make you visible to high-level peoples and let your face come in when a new project arrives.
Besides, I encourage you to propose things based on reasoning in meetings. Your opinion is important as well as the rest of the members, probably, not as much as the architect or the technical lead but if you say something that make sense, you will resonate for the next issue or, in the opposite, it will let you learn from other colleagues.
Thanks for your insights, they are really helpful!