How to say “this is your job” professionally

Say this instead

1. 01

   I think this one sits with you, since it's part of your role on the project. Can you take it from here?

   Coworker · Chat

   Peers who keep passing you work will hear ownership named without any blame attached.

   Use for my message
   Copy
2. 02

   This task falls within your role, so I'd like you to own it from now on. Let's agree a deadline today, and tell me if anything blocks you.

   Someone you manage · Email

   Managers can use this when a report keeps handing a task back, since it sets ownership and a clear next step.

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   Copy
3. 03

   Could we confirm ownership of this? I understood it sits with you, so I haven't picked it up yet.

   Boss · Chat

   Pushing back on someone else's task stays respectful here because you ask to confirm ownership instead of refusing.

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4. 04

   This item is on your side of the scope we agreed, so we'll need it from you by Thursday before we can move forward.

   Client · Email

   Clients whose delay is holding up the work get a request tied to the agreed split and a specific date.

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   Copy
5. 05

   Hi Mr. Shah, this step needs to be done by your team, so we can't complete it for you. Our setup guide walks through it step by step.

   Customer · SMS

   Customers who expect you to do their part get a firm but polite refusal, plus a guide to help them.

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   Copy
6. 06

   The weekly report is part of your role, so I'm handing it back to you. I'll keep my focus on the budget review.

   Coworker · Email

   Colleagues whose task you have covered too long can take it back without a row, because you hand it over calmly.

   Use for my message
   Copy
7. 07

   Please take the 3pm client call. It's part of your role and I need you to own it.

   Someone you manage · SMS

   Time-sensitive handovers to a report stay short and direct, with the ownership stated plainly.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Sarcasm such as “Isn't that what you're paid for?” turns a task into a personal attack.
• Raising it in front of others makes the person defensive before they can respond.
• Staying vague about what you expect and by when leaves the task just as unclear as before.
• Piling on past examples of the person's mistakes pulls focus away from the task in front of you.

Related phrases

• Saying “stop demanding things in front of execs” at work→
• Alternatives to “you're a coward” at work→
• Alternatives to “that's insane” at work→
• “That's irrelevant”: how to say it politely→
• How to say “that's your job” professionally→
• Alternatives to “you promised me a job” at work→