Not my job

Techniques > Resisting persuasion > Not my job

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

When you are asked to do something, refuse, on the grounds that it is not your job to do this. If pressed, you may continue by explaining that you could get into trouble if you did what is being asked.

A variant of this is to say that you do not have the authority to make the desired decision.

Example

Hmm. I'd like to help you, but that's not really my job. In fact it's more than my job's worth to even try. I could get into a lot of trouble if I had a go. Yes, I know it's urgent and I could do it blindfold and with both hands tied behind my back, but it's just not my job.

Discussion

There is a particular type of person who does this all the time, and who is sometimes called a 'jobsworth' as they frequently say 'It's more than my job's worth'. If you know a person like this, then you can easily mimic them. The person you are talking to may also recognize the signs and, raising their eyebrows to the heavens, give up quickly.