"Not My Job" Script
PROProfessional scripts for declining out-of-scope requests, redirecting responsibilities, and setting workplace boundaries without damaging relationships.
Example Usage
Example: Declining a Cross-Department Request
User Prompt:
“My marketing colleague keeps asking me to write SQL queries for their campaign analytics. I’m a frontend developer and this isn’t my job. Help me decline professionally without burning the bridge.”
AI Response: I’ll help you craft a professional response that declines while maintaining the relationship. Here’s a script:
Subject: Re: Campaign Analytics Query Request
Hi [Name],
I appreciate you thinking of me for this! I can see why getting those campaign numbers quickly matters for your upcoming launch.
However, SQL database queries fall outside my role as a frontend developer—my focus is on the user interface and client-side code. For complex database work like this, [Database Team Lead/Data Team] would be the right people to help. They manage our analytical databases and can build exactly what you need.
I’m happy to introduce you if that would help, or I can answer questions about what data we’re capturing on the frontend side if that’s useful for scoping your request.
Would either of those be helpful?
Best, [Your name]
Why this works:
- Acknowledges their need (the launch matters)
- Explains role boundaries without saying “no”
- Names specific person with reason
- Offers help within your actual scope
- Ends with collaborative question
How to Use This Skill
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Paste into your AI assistant (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.)
Fill in your inputs below (optional) and copy to include with your prompt
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Suggested Customization
| Description | Default | Your Value |
|---|---|---|
| Document to reference (SOW, job description, project charter, RACI matrix) | job description | |
| How I'm communicating (email, meeting, message) | email | |
| Request urgency (low, moderate, high) | moderate | |
| Relationship type (peer, manager, client, direct report) | professional | |
| Who to redirect the request to | [appropriate team/person] | |
| How firm the boundary needs to be (gentle, clear, firm) | clear |
- Copy the skill using the button above
- Paste into your AI assistant (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot)
- Describe your situation: Who asked? What did they request? What’s your role?
- Get a professional script tailored to your specific context
Best For
- Declining tasks outside your job description
- Redirecting requests to the appropriate team
- Handling scope creep from clients
- Setting expectations with new managers
- Breaking patterns of repeated boundary violations
- Responding to urgent but out-of-scope requests
Research Sources
This skill was built using research from these authoritative sources:
- Setting Boundaries with Customers - Reddit Customer Success Best practices for preventing scope creep through customer success charters and clearly defined deliverables
- How to Say No Politely at Work - Reddit LifeProTips Professional phrases for declining requests using capacity language instead of ability-based refusals
- Statement of Work (SOW) Guidelines for MSPs Complete SOW template and best practices for defining scope, deliverables, and out-of-scope items
- Scope Creep Prevention Techniques - Reddit Engineering Practical approaches to managing scope through clear documentation and formal variation notices
- How to Professionally Decline Requests - Reddit LifeProTips Email templates and frameworks for explaining that requests fall outside job duties
- Handling Scope Creep in Consulting - Reddit Project Management Scope change management plans and decision-making authority frameworks
- Setting Boundaries for Work-Life Balance - Reddit Experienced Devs Techniques for setting boundaries, declining requests, and clarifying responsibilities with managers
- Setting Boundaries Gently - Reddit Emotional Intelligence Assertiveness techniques and practical boundary-setting language for professional settings
- RACI Matrix for Project Management Responsibility matrices to clarify who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed