Running Personal Errands for Boss   By Philip Friedman/Studio D
Special Offers   Your boss constantly asks you to run personal
errands for her. Although you don't mind helping out in a pinch,
you don't want her to make a habit of asking you for personal
favors. What to do?  1) Just say, "Sorry, I'm working on another
project right now."2) Pull your boss aside and explain that you
don't mind helping her out when she gets in a jam, but your work
is suffering due to the time you're spending on her personal
errands. 3) Placate your boss and do as she asks.   The correct
answer: (2) While it's fine to help the boss out once in a
while, her personal errands shouldn't keep you from getting your
work done. In many cases, administrative assistants to high-
level executives conduct personal business for their bosses.
When this is the expectation, it should be spelled out in the
job description and discussed during a job interview. If this
isn't the case for you, speak up. In a calm, nonconfrontational
and pleasant way,