Colleague taking over my duties

[mooneus]

So recently in my company one of my colleagues has taken it upon herself to start carrying out tasks that are associated with my role. I completely think she's doing it out of the goodness of her heart and genuinely wants to help. Lately she's been sending reports to management about it, asking to have access to certain tools and having chats with them. I'm just a little concerned that it's going to look bad on me, as if I'm not doing anything. We have appraisals coming up soon and I want to mention it, but I don't want to come across as bitter. I also don't want management to say you're not doing your job properly. I think it also needs to be pointed out is that my colleague is like the golden girl of the department and definitely the manager's favourite. My manager will make more time for her than anyone else - this is not just me saying it, others have said it to me as well.

What do you guys recommend? I'm thinking about saying we need further clarification as to who is responsible for what. Any tips will be greatly appreciated. Thanks :)

Would say just work double hard & make sure you've already done all the things of "yours" before she gets to them. Otherwise yes if she's capable of doing her own job & yours then it looks like you're slacking. Alternatively you could pick up bits of hers she's missing (that you enjoy) and the it sounds less dubious when you mention in an appraisal that perhaps you roles need re-aligning. Have been on both sides of this so know how uncomfortable it can feel. She's keen, be keener is only real advice.

Depends - you say colleague but are you both equal or is she trying to work her way up to a specific promotion or one where you both might be considered and competing? I think I would just be upfront and point out that girl x has been taking on some extra duties recently (maybe she doesn't have enough work of her own and should be given more or maybe her role isn't necessary if she has enough time to do yours too?...) and ask for clarification. I would say that assistance and teamwork are always appreciated but are job descriptions going to be amended and is there any reason some of your tasks have been delegated. Or just ask her directly how come she's decided to help and if you don't want her help say thank you but I'm not comfortable with this I need to manage my own role and duties so I'll do it thanks!

Sorry, by 'you say colleague' what I meant is are you her / managers etc or both on equal footing currently

God I have been here! The only issue was that my colleague was doing her absolute best to make me look bad. I tried to address it with management but either my approach was shitty or they just couldn't see past her doe eyes and fake boobs. In my case I was moved teams and she now has my job. It only took her 7 months and loads of game playing to get there too.

I say bow out now. If you want to keep your dignity and your sanity anyway. Particularly if management love her.

Do however Raise it with them e.g.: 'Hi Boss, I notice brown nose over there is doing XYZ which has been a great help. She tends so do those thins while I am doing ABC at such and such a clock. so she's beating me to it but it leaves me sparse in the afternoon. Is this the new process? If so, what should I be doing instead? And leave it there. Let them sort it out.

X

How is she able to carry out your tasks if it is not her role. Have you asked her why she is doing this and sending reports to management without including you - won't those reports send an incomplete picture without your input. Can you tell her you appreciate it but you will let her know if you need her help and can otherwise manage on your own.

Ahh!! It's happened again today. I was talking about something with my manager and 2 minutes later I turn around and she's reading up on it. I don't know if shes just really keen or has her eye on my job.

Also yesterday she made a really sarcastic comment which I just brushed aside as banter but starting to think now she could have been serious.

What job do you both do and what is she doing exactly?

Sorry, but I would email her and copy the boss in....

"Helen, I notice that you've pulled together the monthly sales report again. You seem to have taken it upon yourself to produce this but in fact it is one of my jobs. I'd appreciate it if you would stop doing that going forward."

I tend to challenge people though so they know where they stand...

Ooooooo. Not good. She's after your job without question.

Do you do those tasks to your manager's liking or have there been comments about stuff that needed doing differently, etc. I just wonder if your manager hasn't suggested she help you out if she's finished with all her work. Without actually informing you about it.

I had this. I just kept laughing and saying 'no, that's my job. You get on with yours please'. Do not go on the defensive. But start being guarded about what you say in front of her or leave lying around as she is obviously keen to progress at other people's expense.

Is it something that you can do twice? And then you do it better. It would make her look silly.