ManagementSpeak: I understand that you feel you are overloaded. To help me get a handle on your workload please keep a daily record of everything you do and how long each task takes. I will evaluate this and see what suggestions I can offer.

Translation: If you have time to do the list, you’re not too busy. If you don’t have time to do the list, it’ll get you off of my back.

This week’s contributor just somehow didn’t feel safe identifying himself.