How to professionally say
You are overcomplicating this
- Being mindful of timelines. Let’s concentrate on the initial scope.
That meeting sounds like a waste of my time
- I’m unable to add value to this meeting but I would be happy to review the minutes.
I told you so
- As per my prediction, this outcome does not come as a surprise.
That sounds like a horrible idea
- Are we confident that this is the best solution or are we still exploring alternatives?
I already told you this
Can you answer all of the questions I asked and not just pick and choose one
- Are you able to provide some clarity around the other questions previously asked?
Did you even read my email?
- Reattaching my email to provide further clarity
- I’ll provide an update when I have one
Stop bothering me
- You have not heard from me because further information is not available at this time, Once I have an update I’ll be sure to loop you in.
I don’t want to talk to you right now!
- I am currently tied up with something but I will connect with you once I am free.
Do your job!
- It is my understanding that you are the appropriate person to contact in regards to this. But If there’s is someone better equipped for this let me know.
That's not my job
- This falls outside of my responsibilities but I would be happy to connect you with someone who can help.
Stop assigning me so many tasks if you want any of them to get done
- As my workload is quite heavy, can you help me understand what I should reprioritize to accommodate this new task?
answer my emails
- If there’s a better way to get in contact with you please let me know as I am hoping to have this resolved as soon as possible
This is not my problem
- I recommend directing this issue to [Name] as they have the proper expertise to best assist you
If you would have read the whole email you’d know the answer to this
- I have included my initial email below which contains all of the details you are looking for.
I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about
- Can you help me better understand what exactly is it that you require on my end?
Stop micromanaging
- I am confident in my ability to complete this project and will be sure to reach out, If or when I require your input.
Please hurry and get this done!
- It is important that we have this completed in order to meet our targeted deadlines which are quickly approaching.
Stay in your own lane
- Thank you for your input. I’ll keep that in mind as I move forward with decisions that fall within my responsibilities
I’ve told you this multiple times
- There seems to be a disconnect here as this information has already been provided
I’m not doing your job for you
- I do not have the capacity to take this on in addition to my own workload but I’m happy to support where it makes sense.
We do not need to have a meeting about this.
- Being respectful of everyone's time let's discuss this through email until we have a more defined agenda
Did you just take credit for my work?
- It is great to see my ideas being exposed to a wider audience and I would have appreciated the opportunity to have been included in the delivery.
Google that your self
- The internet is a great resource for these types of questions and I am available to clarify elements that you are not able to find online.
What you are saying does not make sense
- We seem to have a different understanding on this. Can you elaborate further on your thought process here?
I am not paid enough to do this
- This falls out of my job description but if the opportunity for a role expansion becomes available I would be happy to discuss reworking my contract to better align with these new responsibilities
I totally forgot about your email
- Thank you for your patience
- Please let me know when further details become available as I require more information to successfully complete this task
Stop calling me before my workday even starts
- If you need to contact me, please note that my working hours being at 8 am and 6 pm. Communications received prior to this won't be seen.
Check your inbox, I already sent this to you!
- I previously sent you an email regarding that but please let me know if something went wrong in transit
I couldn't care less
- I will defer to your judgment on this as I am not passionate either way and I trust your expertise.
I told you so and now this is your problem
- I did previously note that this was a likely outcome. How do you plan to resolve this?
Stop trying to make me do your work!
- I am not able to offer you additional support in completing your workload