How to say “that's your job” professionally

Say this instead

1. 01

   This one sits with your role, so I need you to pick it up. If you want some background first, tell me and I'll send it over.

   Coworker · Chat

   Fits when a peer keeps passing you their task, since it names ownership without blaming them.

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2. 02

   Handling these escalations is part of your role, so I'd like you to take this one on. Tell me what you need from me to get started.

   Someone you manage · Email

   Helpful when someone you manage keeps handing work upward, because it sets the expectation and offers support.

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3. 03

   I can't take this on, as it falls under your responsibilities. Can you confirm you'll have it done by Thursday?

   Coworker · Chat

   Good for a clear refusal that also asks for a firm commitment and a date.

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4. 04

   I think this falls within the scope of the design team rather than mine. Could you confirm who should own it, so we don't duplicate work?

   Boss · Email

   Suits moments when you're handed someone else's task and want your manager to settle ownership.

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5. 05

   That item sits on your side of the project plan, so we'll need your team to complete it before we can move to the next stage.

   Client · Email

   Fits when a client expects you to do something the agreement assigns to them.

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6. 06

   Reminder: updating the rota is your task this week. Please have it done by 5 pm today.

   Someone you manage · SMS

   Short and direct, so it suits a time-sensitive task that someone you manage has overlooked.

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7. 07

   That step has to be done by the account holder, so we can't do it for you. The setup instructions are in the help section of your account.

   Customer · Chat

   Helps when a customer asks you to do something only they can do, and it points them to a next step.

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8. 08

   Quick note: the handover doc is yours to finish, not mine. Can you send it by noon tomorrow?

   Coworker · SMS

   Handy as a brief, firm nudge when a colleague is waiting on you to do their part.

   Use for my message
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Examples

What to avoid

• Saying it in front of others or in a group thread is a mistake, so raise it one to one.
• Sarcasm such as “Well, isn't that what you're paid for?” will only make things worse.
• A vague apology or a “maybe” makes the request easy to ignore.
• Name the task and a date instead of attacking the person's effort or attitude.
• If the task really is unclear, check who owns it before using any of these.

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