Most bosses don’t expect you to do the impossible, although it sure feels that way at times. But occasionally you get handed something that you know can’t be done. Or at least that’s how it feels to you. So what do you do when an impossible work assignment becomes your assignment?
Do you throw up your hands and shove it to the back of your pile hoping they’ll forget? Do you screw up your courage and tell your boss it can’t be done? Maybe you even start thinking about quitting. Or do you dig in and at least look for a way to make what seems utterly daunting a success story?
Impossible work assignments
The last paragraph ends with what seems like a leading question … signaling the answer wanted. But the truth is some assignments may not be possible for you … or anyone … to do. And some bosses may simply not realize it. Then again, some may realize it and have their own reasons to let you sweat.
Why things might be legitimately impossible
- You don’t have the skills but your boss doesn’t know it. (Perhaps a few mistruths on your resume?)
- The company doesn’t have the functioning technology / resources needed.
- There are timing factors, where something you need hasn’t happened yet – or won’t happen in time.
- Someone is purposefully standing in the way of getting things you need.
- You don’t understand aspects of the assignment and are afraid to ask for help.
- The idea itself is poorly conceived / not possible for anyone to make happen.
Reasons a boss might knowingly let you sweat
- You’re a trainee or new to the company / industry and your boss is using this to help you learn. Sometimes by pushing against the impossible, you discover new skills and / or new solutions.
- Your boss is punishing you or getting even for something you did that annoyed them.
- Your boss is trying to get you to quit.
How do you approach the impossible?
Clearly each situation is different. And each of you has your own reasons for how you’ll approach what feels like an impossible work assignment. But here are some suggested guidelines for meeting the “impossible” head on:
(1) Take a deep breath. In fact, take several.
(2) Examine the assignment carefully, thinking about all aspects of what’s required.
(3) Make a 2-column list of what you can do and what feels like an obstacle(s).
(4) Think about and then list what skills and equipment would be helpful to you.
(5) Consider people you might turn to for help, either at work or elsewhere. Feel free to consult your resources (even your boss using a “considering how to” rather than “I can’t” approach at this stage) to help you think things through.
(6) Now think again about the whole picture and see if it might feel a bit less intimidating.
(7) Remember that any solution usually has steps to help get you there. And that the whole is often more overwhelming than the parts.
(8) Now reexamine the feasibility of you taking on this project and succeeding. If it feels more possible, get going and do your best. Actually succeeding can feel great after all that.
But if you still have strong doubts or are sure you can’t do it, this is a good time to talk to your boss and fill them in. If you plan to go ahead, they need to know any obstacles you foresee. And if you don’t, they need to know that too … quickly.
Extra thoughts
If you decide it’s an absolute CANNOT DO, then that pretty much leaves your fate in your boss’s hands. So my best advice is to search hard for a way to get it done — even if you quickly have to learn a new skill or two.
But if you really can’t, then at least offering your boss your well thought out reasoning / analysis of the project may add a plus to your side. And creating a nicely-formatted written version of your thinking / suggestions to present them can help solidify your sincere efforts.
In other words, you want to make sure your boss knows you’re not a slacker. Just a valuable employee who wants what’s best for the assignment and company.
NOTE: If your instincts (or previously-undisclosed lack of key required skills) tell you this is going to lead to you losing your job, it may also be time to get your resume in shape. And maybe start looking for an alternate job just in case!
More posts to help
Emotional Triggers in the Workplace
5 Workplace Fears That Limit Your Success
Permission To Believe In Yourself (with Certificate)
I Can’t Stop Feeling Like a Failure
Why Do I Always Have Bad Luck in Jobs?
What To Do If Your Boss Takes You For Granted
Worried My Boss Wants to Fire Me
“You Cannot Survive” in a Toxic Work Environment
Why Being Good at Your Job Isn’t Always Enough
So You Screwed Up at Work — Now What?
How To Deal With a Bully Boss
Are You Afraid To Talk To Your Boss?
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