How can I tell a manager at ClientCo 'Thanks but no thanks'

**Zippy** · 21 September 2009, 15:49

Originally posted by adamv6 View Post

My dilemma.

I am the lead wintel engineer on a large programme, with several underlying projects. I am currently working on 5 different projects in the programme, and last Friday, my other experienced colleague left. His replacement is a good engineer (and another contractor), but is obviously new to the project and will take a few weeks to really be up to speed.

As such, ClientCo manager has said he is putting another engineer on the project to assist us. Unfortunately, this engineer's knowledge can be written on a postage stamp with a crayon.

How can I tell ClietnCo manager thanks but no thanks?

It might be difficult to refuse. Could you pair up the experienced one with the hazard, under the guise of showing the new guy the (project) ropes? It might keep him away from anything dangerous.

**BolshieBastard** · 21 September 2009, 18:17

What!?

You just tell him openly and honestly you cant do the job \ take on the extra workload because................and tell him why you cant or what your current workload is.

Our PM has steadily loaded us with more and more work so we eventually said 'sorry, no more!'

We told them why and he listened.

If you start flapping about and making stuff up, they'll just dump the stuff on you.

**MPwannadecentincome** · 21 September 2009, 19:54

Well its better to say No in a nice way, tell them the consequences / risks of saying yes then when it all goes to pot you can tell them that you did point this out at the beginning.

How can I tell a manager at ClientCo 'Thanks but no thanks'