Do you work with a HOT POTATO TOSSER?

Have you, or do you already, work with a HOT POTATO TOSSER?

Those colleagues who don’t want to have to deal with those ‘more tricky’ problems that crop up.

They want an EASY LIFE.

They want an EASY JOB.

They are happy to do ‘THEIR’ job, with no dramas, no interruptions and no hiccups.

In fact, “That’s not MY job!” is their most favourite phrase in the whole world! Maybe only second to, “Right, I’m off. See you tomorrow!”

Yes, generally, they arrive bang on time for work (or even a little late if they can get away with it).

They make sure they get their FULL lunch break.

And go home BANG on time (even earlier if they can!).

And if you DO try to pass them this ‘searing spud’ (that actually falls within their role), they will quickly either throw it right back to you, barely making fingertip to crispy skin contact, or volley it in another direction… without blinking…to some poor other soul who didn’t even see that steaming carb flying towards them!

Then, before you can even shout, “Do you want butter on that?!”, they will already be back at their workstation, nonchalantly and prematurely, nibbling on their lunchtime box of delights…before resuming their lightweight and their more enjoyable tasks of the day.

So, what can you do about a HOT POTATO TOSSER?

This type of work colleague may have been burned in the past. They may feel they have been ‘put on’ in the past (either in this organisation or a previous role they have had), and have made a decision along the way that, if they can get away with it, they are going to do the bare minimum and do the ‘bits’ of the job that are the most stress-free and enjoyable for them.

Whatever their reason, it can be a difficult one to tackle, but there ARE things you definitely CAN do!

If a task/problem crops up that is definitely something that falls within their remit, choose the right manner to approach them with, the right time to approach them, the right method to approach them, and with the right audience (as backing). All with a soft, calm but direct tone.

The right manner:

Approach them in the manner that their ‘expertise’ is much needed in this instance. Flatter them a little (even if it makes you inwardly wince – think of the longer-term gains!). Even though it may be their job anyway to deal with it, by encouraging them in a friendly and more complimentary way that they are the person to deal with this issue - rather than in the manner of, “it’s YOUR job, not mine”, then you are likely to get a more favourable and helpful response. Along the way, they have become the way they are because they probably haven’t felt appreciated by someone in the past and so, a little bit of a reminder of their value (and flattery) can go an awful long way.

The right time:

If you can, pick a time/period of the working day when Mr / Miss Hot Potato Tosser is at their most calm themselves and not during a ‘busier’ or more stressful time of the day. Don’t go to them as soon as they’ve taken off their coat at the start of their shift, or as they are about to pop their coat on towards the latter part of the day. Choose a time when they’ve already opened their morning emails, made their coffee and settled down.

The right facts:

Don’t go bowling in with the problem/issue. Think it through and be clear in advance about what the issue is, so you can articulate clearly when you speak to them that they are the ‘right’ person to deal with the issue. Communicate what you have done already to perhaps try and resolve it yourself, but that they are definitely ‘the right person’ to deal with this.

The right method:

If you can, face-to-face is always best. Passing things or forwarding things on via email, or even ‘throwing’ paperwork onto someone’s desk with a post it note on it, rarely goes down well with someone who is not keen to pick up ‘issues’. Written down ‘instructions’ or ‘orders’ can come across as very confrontational and can be easily misconstrued. Of course, an advantage of an email is that you can CC or BCC someone in on the conversation (i.e./ a manager) to show you have ‘passed on’ the issue accordingly AND you can properly construct your words and take your time with composing your email, but as I say, for someone who is a ‘reluctant worker/team player’ this method is rarely received positively, and can lead to further discontent in the team.

The right audience:

Unfortunately, HOT POTATO TOSSERS do have a tendency to make up any excuse under the sun as to why “it’s not their job”, and can often be very confrontational and sometimes even quite scary to approach. Consider making your calm approach when there are some other people in the background. Not directly in your conversational area (you don’t want to add fuel to the fire), but just have people around that can be a present ‘ear’. And then, make sure you communicate with your manager that you have passed on the issue to the person, so it can’t be blamed on you if the issue has not been dealt with. Afterall, you have then done all YOU can and can’t be later held responsible if no action is taken.

Closing thoughts…

If you are friendly, fair, clear and calm, you have done all you can.

Remember, you can’t change people and it’s not your responsibility to.

All you can do is do your own job to the best of your ability and keep an open dialogue with your manager if you feel you are having to step into other people’s roles on a frequent basis, as they are not pulling their weight.

🐣🧡