what would you do?

[cathy field]

Consider this:
Your boss has assigned you some work(A), which you don't like to do. You have other things to do which you like. Your boss doesn't ask you about (A) for 20-30 days (or may be never asks). Would you still finish (A), just because you have to do or procrastinate indefinetly till s/he inquires?

I am not sure if this is appropriate for this forum, if not please move.

Thanks a lot!

[Jayesh Lalwani]

It's much more complicated that this but here's the simple answer.

Ask him when he needs (A) to be done by. Finish right on the day (A) is due. By doing this I am hoping
i) Before I start, something will change and (A) doesn't have to be done
ii) Before I start, I can convince my boss that (A) doesn't need to be done, or the same goal can be acheived some other way
iii) Someone else finishes his task before I can start A, and my boss will just assign A to that person (I know this is sneaky)

But, if I have a task, the task will be done. If the task is higher priority, I will work on it before other low-priority interesting tasks. If the task is not interesting, I will do some other interesting tasks at same or higher priority. But, the task will be done before the task is due.

ETA: Oh yeah, if your boss doesn't ask about some task for 20-30 days doesn't mean that the task need not be done. If your boss has given you a task, you have to finish it. If you feel that he has forgotten about it, you should clarify. Your boss shouldn't be after you all the time.
[ August 08, 2005: Message edited by: Jayesh Lalwani ]

[Rajul King]

Depends on priorities of your BOSS. If he is not accountable for task A, he might never ask you. If you and your boss work in same location, it is very easy to judge.
Typically I will not do anything that my boss has asked me to do unless I know that it is his accountability and he looks good (for his boss or client) for doing a task. And if I dont like something, I either Deny or Delegate or Delay but never Do.