Hey there! Are you the go-to person for organizing team lunches, taking notes in meetings, or covering for colleagues at the drop of a hat? If so, you might be falling into the trap of "non-promotable tasks" – those invisible chores that keep you busy but don't actually move your career forward.

The Harvard Business Review defines these tasks as those that "benefit the organization, yes, but likely don't contribute to your performance or your career advancement." In other words, they're the workplace equivalent of housework, and they're holding you back from shining as the brilliant leader you are.

Why This Matters (A Lot!)

Let's be real: while those tasks need to get done, when women are assumed, constantly relied on, or chosen to do these tasks, it means less time for the high-impact projects that actually matter in your performance reviews. It is the difference between being the unsung hero behind the scenes and being recognized for your strategic thinking and leadership skills.

A study in the American Economic Review found that women volunteer for non-promotable tasks twice as often as men. We're also 44% more likely to be asked, and when asked, we say "yes" a whopping 77% of the time.

This creates a vicious cycle. The more we say yes, the more we're expected to say yes. And so, the "office mom" stereotype is born.

Breaking the Cycle

For Managers:

• Spread the Love: Distribute tasks equally through rotation systems or direct assignments.
• Mind Your Asks: Be mindful of who you're asking to do what. Proactively invite men to volunteer for those "housekeeping" tasks.
• Speak Up: If you see an imbalance, address it with your team. Open communication is key to fostering a fair and inclusive workplace.

For Women:

• Know Your Worth: Identify the non-promotable tasks in your workplace and be mindful of which ones you tend to volunteer for.
• Embrace the Power of "No": Saying "no" is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of self-respect and knowing your priorities.
• Speak Up: If you notice an uneven distribution of tasks, don't be afraid to raise your hand (but not to volunteer this time! 😉). Talk to your manager or colleagues about creating a more equitable system.

Your Confidence-Boosting Questions

Before you say "yes" to another non-promotable task, ask yourself these three questions:

1. What are the costs and benefits of saying yes or no, both in the short-term and long-term?
2. Will this task increase my visibility to senior decision makers and support my career goals?
3. Will this task put me in the room where important decisions are made, or will it keep me stuck in the weeds, or in the kitchen (ouch)?

Remember: It's not about never volunteering again, it's about being intentional with your time and energy. Choose your battles wisely, and prioritize the tasks that will truly propel your career forward.

You are a leader, not a housekeeper. Let's own our brilliance and step into our power!

Powerful Coaching Questions:

1. Hidden Talents: What are some of your unique skills and strengths that might be overshadowed by non-promotable tasks?

2. Future Focus: If you could delegate or eliminate all of the non-promotable tasks from your plate, what important projects or goals could you focus on instead?

3. Boundary Boost: What's one small step you can take this week to say "no" to a non-promotable task and protect your valuable time and energy?

Actions to Commit this Week

1. Track Your Time: Keep a log of how much time you spend on non-promotable tasks for one week. This will give you a clear picture of where your energy is going.

2. Delegate or Eliminate: Identify one non-promotable task that you can either delegate to someone else or eliminate altogether.

3. Celebrate Your Wins: Every time you say "no" to a non-promotable task or prioritize a career-boosting activity, take a moment to acknowledge your progress.