Other Departments Think I'm Petty

[mashley]

And I am, but only when it comes to my department's budget.  A co-worker in another department has come up with a "Great Plan" for increasing revenue for her department, but, it's going to increase my departments expenses.

Since I asked how these extra expenses are going to be covered, I'm petty.  But I know when the year end financial reports come out, if the budget I'm responsible for meeting is over the plan, I'm the one who has to answer.

And the biggest problem?  Co-worker and I had this same exchange in February, and I'm tempted to send her the e-mail where we discussed it and decided against it then.

Any suggestions for keeping my responses polite and diplomatic, as opposed to what I really want to say?

[Cathy S]

First of all you are not being petty - you are doing your job.  Your departmental budget is your responsibility? How would your colleague feel if you were suggesting making revenue at her budget's expense?

I suggest the previous e-mail is a good starting point; forward with a note to say that you understood the matter had been settled per the e-mail.  Does your colleague's proposed additional revenue more than cover the expense you incur? How good is her forecasting? (is it realistically achievable revenue or is it wildly optimistic?).  If you consider it realistic revenue you may be able to offer a compromise that your budget will underpin the initial expense on the written undertaking that that money will be returned to you within an agreed period.

Whatever you decide all you need to remind her of is that you are doing your job and acting on your responsibility for that budget  - it is a business decision and not a personal one.