Ask Ash: Issues over unsolicited help

A new colleague has joined our team recently and she seems intent on being overly helpful, to the point that I can’t even do my own job without her confirming that she has already drafted my client letter or an outline of my key documents. She also seems to ensure that a senior manager is within earshot when she confirms she’s carried out the task too; and before I can challenge her actions, the managers look to compliment her efficiency and speed. I’m not an inefficient person, but prefer to consider and prioritise my key tasks. However at this rate she will be taking on my job.

It seems that your colleague is certainly out to impress and doesn’t seem to either appreciate it or indeed care if her actions make you look bad. Indeed, this may be a deliberate ploy on her behalf if she does feel insecure by your role?

However, if we give her the benefit of the doubt, she may be looking to illustrate her efficiency to both you and senior management. Nevertheless, she does need to be reined in, as no matter how helpful she thinks she is being, it is clearly causing you upset.

I suggest that next time she is in a meeting with you, and future actions are being discussed, you make very clear what you expect her to handle and what you will specifically address. Also outline the timelines for the tasks and make clear the need for prioritisation in order to meet future expectations.

If you find that she still does not adhere to such clear parameters, then I suggest you have a one-to-one informal meeting with her to confirm why it is important that she focuses on her own tasks list. Essentially highlight to her that if her actions continue, she may actually make senior management question whether she is busy enough in her own right if she has time to do the work of others. They may then also question whether there is sufficient work available to justify her ongoing position – basically, she is making a rod for her own back by piggybacking on to others’ tasks. This may be sufficient for her to consider perhaps backing off!

“Ash” is a solicitor who is willing to answer work-related queries from solicitors and other legal professionals, which can be put to them via the editor. Confidence will be respected and any advice published will be anonymised.

Please note that letters to Ash are not received at the Law Society of Scotland. The Society offers a support service for trainees through its Education, Training & Qualifications team. Email legaleduc@lawscot.org.uk or phone 0131 226 7411 (select option 3).