Did you ever see someone step over a piece of paper and fail to pick it up? Perhaps they didn’t see it, but many others did. It’s like saying, “It’s not my problem,” and expecting someone else to bend down for them. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case, and it doesn’t stop there. Some people ignore those in need, others don’t do things until asked, and in the business world, customer issues go unresolved, every day, simply because people say, “It’s not my job.”

I can hear it now — “it’s not my responsibility,” “it’s none of my business,” or “that’s their problem, not mine.” Some folks wait for people to step forward, others pass the buck or pretend problems don’t exist. In the meantime, things don’t get done.

You have to ask yourself, what do they want, a written invitation?

What does it take to put your best foot forward, go out of your way for someone, or do what’s right? If everyone went the extra mile — without expecting anything in return — the cumulative impact would be huge.

It may not be your job, but it’s a job worth doing.

It’s Your Job — Whether You Admit It or Not

There are times when you may think, “It’s not my job.” But the fact remains, it is. Here are 15 situations that offer a chance to take responsibility…or evade it. Consider what your choice would be in these situations.

Go the extra mile. Do you do more than expected, or do you say, “I don’t get paid to do that”?

Be a good friend. Do you go out of your way for friends, or are you too wrapped up in yourself — always thinking, “What’s in it for me”?

Stand up for injustice. Do you speak up when you encounter an injustice?

Meet challenges head-on. Do you run toward problems, or do you kick the can down the road?

Behave with social grace. Do you say good morning and greet people with a smile, or do you think, “Why should I?” and then do your own thing?

Do your job. Do you take on tasks that aren’t part of your job description?

Act like a team player. Do you perform tasks you don’t enjoy, or do you complain that the work is beneath you?

Improve customer experience. Do you go out of your way to address a customer issue, or do you weasel out of it and say, “It’s not my concern”?

Pass your values to your kids. Do you raise your kids to be thoughtful and productive members of society, or are you an absentee parent?

Invest in your personal development. Do you wait for others to train you, or do you accept responsibility for your personal and professional growth?

Act like a good neighbor. Do you go out of your way to be helpful and considerate, or do you indulge yourself by thinking it’s every man for himself?

Serve as a good role model. Do you lead by example, or do you say, “I’ll do what I want”?

Support the needy. Do you volunteer to help those in need, or do you wait for others to step up to the plate?

Serve as a model citizen. Do you think about the world that you’re leaving to your kids, or are you too busy living the good life to notice?

Own your life. Do you accept responsibility for all aspects of your life, or do you rely on the good graces of others?

You Have a Job to Do

Some people do the bare minimum — nothing more. It’s like they’re allergic to going the extra mile. And if they’re asked to do more — watch out — they take offense, as if the request is totally unreasonable.

If you find something that needs doing, just do it.
(You shouldn’t have to be asked.)

This comes down to a simple premise. When you make the right choice, you’re not only making the extra effort for others, you’re doing it for yourself. Just as you wouldn’t leave money on the table when negotiating a deal, why would you do less than you’re capable of doing? You have but one life to live. You have the ability to leave your mark on the world. But you won’t achieve greatness by doing less or being less than your best. There are no dress rehearsals in life. Make the most of it.

Do You Say, “It’s Not My Job?”

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Additional Reading:
Get Paid for Performance, Not Presence
Hard Work Is Good for Your Soul
Do You Do Your Best or Just Enough to Get By?
Step Up Your Game
Mediocre Behavior Is a Choice
Thanks for a Job Well Done
Are You Reliable or a Flake?

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