This week I dared to not accept an additional “optional” task until clear parameters on the amount of time and effort were defined and agreed upon. It was not a popular decision, and it caused me to feel some guilt until I realized something: My job requires me to buy, sell and allocate people’s effort on a regular basis. It would be unthinkable for me to enter into an agreement for work regarding someone’s effort without clear parameters. My time and effort are just as valuable.