103
Asking a Coworker to Cover for You

STRATEGY

The goal of this script is getting a coworker to cover for you when you have personal business to take care of outside the office, but don't want to lose a personal/sick day. First a warning: If you're on probation, or have been warned in any way about absenteeism, do not use this script—it's too dangerous. If you ask someone, and get turned down, you won't be able to ask someone else without the risk you'll be discovered. Your only option will be to take time off without pay or use a sick day. The secret to achieving your goal is to encourage an immediate, albeit subtly subconscious, receptivity to your pitch on the part of the listener. You can do that by making them feel important—you're turning to them for help rather than someone else. Opening with a heartfelt appeal helps too—after all, no one likes to refuse a request for help. If you're sure they won't gossip you can be as specific as you please in furnishing the details of your absence. If, on the other hand, you're afraid the word might spread, be as vague as possible, saying only that you have some personal business to attend to. If pressed for more information, say you prefer not to talk about it. Be aware, however, that a refusal to provide the gory details could lead to a flat‐out refusal to help. Consider subtly pointing out how assistance can benefit them, whether it's a promise of reciprocity, or a more manageable work load.

TACTICS

  • Attitude: Your attitude should be one of humility whether you're asking a good friend or an acquaintance. Opening with a statement like, “I need your help” establishes that tone.
  • Preparation: Guesstimate how long you'll be out of the office before approaching your peer. In addition, try to discern their attitude toward using work time to attend to personal business. Some people go strictly by the book and look down on those who bend the rules, whereas others are always glad to help out. Have a back‐up plan in mind, just in case you find out your first choice isn't apt to go along with you.
    Flow diagram depicting a course of action for 103. Asking a Coworker to Cover for You with an opening statement, situations, and responses.
    Flow diagram depicting a course of action for 103. Asking a Coworker to Cover for You with situations and responses.
  • Timing: Ask for help at least a few days in advance. That way you'll have time to implement your back‐up plan if necessary. After lunch is usually the best time for a private conversation like this.
  • Behavior: Speak with them alone. Remember, you're asking for a favor, so be humble. Keep cool at all times, even if they're pushing for details. Do not, under any circumstances, break down, beg, threaten, or lose your temper. If, after presenting your case, they still turn you down, end with a cool and quiet, “Well, at least I now know where we stand with each other,” and walk away.

ADAPTATIONS

This script can be modified to:

  • Ask a friend to back up a social excuse.

KEY POINTS

  • Open with the line, “I need your help.” Be as humble and sincere as possible.
  • Let them know how long you think you'll be out of the office.
  • If they're a friend whom you trust not to gossip, you can tell them why you'll be out if you choose.
  • If you don't trust them not to gossip, tell them you have personal business you need to take care of and leave it at that.
  • If they press, tell them you don't want to talk about it.
  • Demonstrate how they can benefit from helping you.
  • If they won't help, end with a cold statement of your perception of the relationship.