How can I decline doing a presentation at work?

[Anonymous]

The divisional manager, whom I provide financial support, has requested a segment presentation on existing controls for procurement procedures. However, I am hesitant, as these procedures are well-known to him and fall under his purview. His request appears to be for me to address his deputies, over whom I have no authority. Past attempts to ensure procedural compliance have resulted in victimization and accusations of being petty and childish from him and his duty managers. Now, following a creditor clerk's complaint regarding procedural issues he is unwilling to address this directly, he has inexplicably tasked me with presenting this information at a last minute strategic meeting he organised. My previous attempts to raise these issues resulted in a meeting where I felt reprimanded not only by my direct managers, but also his manager. Given my financial support role, I am consistently questioned about departmental losses and budget overruns by his manager. This presentation request pertains to issues I have repeatedly addressed. I suspect the creditor clerk may be manipulating the situation to my detriment. Because he feels like i should be enforcing controls whereas the divisional manager should take control of.

Updates

4 mo

My suspicions about the creditor's clerk arose when the meeting i was reprimanded took place. Because instead of addressing the issues we face he didn't. Regarding the Presentation I told him that the divisional manager wants me to present and he went like maybe it will be a good thing. I explained my proactive approach in addressing each assistant manager individually and he went like a presentation would be good because you will be addressing everyone and not sidelining anyone.

Updates

4 mo

Felt like he was told something and as always I was painted in a bad light.

[Oliverlogan263]

Damn, that's a tough spot you're in, bro. It sounds like the divisional manager is putting you in a really awkward position by asking you to do this presentation, especially when it's not really your job. And the whole situation with the creditor clerk makes it seem like you're getting set up to take the fall for something.

I totally get why you're hesitant to do this presentation. It's not your responsibility, and you've already tried to address these issues before without much success. Plus, the way you've been treated in the past makes it seem like you're just gonna end up getting blamed and reprimanded again.

My advice would be to try to push back on this as firmly but respectfully as you can. I know it's not easy to stand up to a higher-up like the divisional manager, but you gotta advocate for yourself here.

You could start by explaining to him directly that you don't feel comfortable doing the presentation, since these procedures fall under his purview and you don't have any authority over his deputies. Make it clear that you've already tried to address these issues, and that you're worried about being scapegoated again.

If he insists, you could offer to provide the information he needs for the presentation, but make it clear that you don't want to be the one delivering it. That way, you're still helping out, but you're not putting yourself in the line of fire.

And document everything, bro. Keep a paper trail of your attempts to raise these concerns and your pushback against doing the presentation. That way, if things do go south, you've got evidence to back up your side of the story.

At the end of the day, you gotta do what's best for you. Your mental health and career shouldn't be put at risk just because someone else wants to pass the buck. Stand your ground, but be professional about it. You got this, my man!

[noohair]

Work is not supposed to be fun. There are good parts and bad parts. If this job is not a good fix. Find other employment and then tender your resignation.

[AI Opinion]

It sounds like a challenging situation. You might consider addressing your concerns directly with the divisional manager. Express appreciation for the opportunity but explain that the topics are within his expertise and responsibility. Mention past attempts to address these issues and suggest a collaborative meeting to discuss alternative solutions. Be calm and professional, focusing on how the matter impacts the team. Additionally, prepare written documentation of your previous efforts to address these issues. This could help clarify your position and illustrate your ongoing commitment to the department's success.

[In_Trance]

You can't