The co-worker or subordinate that is a slacker is a large problem in any entity. These are the people that started early with the "Dog ate my homework" routine and have been at it ever since. We are attempting to establish a department devoted to foiling these characters. Its success will in large part depend on you providing anecdotes, success stories, pleas for help, suggestions to solve pleas for help and so forth. So, we need your contributions. We'll keep them anonymous.

What do you do when a peer goes to your boss to dump an unwelcomed task on you?

We must say shame on your boss for letting it happen, but assuming your boss comes to you with the request, here are some ideas.

You might try pointing out to your boss that you taking time to do this imposed task may delay something the boss wants you to do. Be careful using this one, for if the boss is so clueless that they have already failed to protect you, this may not work.

Another choice is to accept the task conditionally. For instance, if someone wants to dump their undesirable task on you, offer to trade one that you don't like to do. "Sure, I'll be happy to do that for Bill if he will do ____ for me first." The first is important, for your slacker peer will conveniently forget or ignore their end of the bargain if you accomplish their task first.

If Jane has gotten to your boss through flattery or compliments (Jill does such a good job at _____ ), offer to train Jane. "I'll be happy to work alongside Jane so that she will learn how to do _____ this time so that she can do it as well as I do in the future."

Possibly, the task can just be eliminated. Why is it being done in the first place? Really challenge the need for it, and you may just do yourself and your slacking co-worker a favor by dropping it altogether.