> It's probably necessary work, but not important.
I like the direction you're going with this but note that a task being necessary also implies that it is important - otherwise it would be optional!
The only success I've ever had (but at a small co) with getting others to work out what is important and what isn't is by forcing the requester/decision maker to prioritize goals against each other. It gives the opportunity cost a more personal, and therefore real, taste.
We’re probably quibbling over semantics here. I use important in the dictionary sense of having a profound effect on survival. The company won’t go out of business if those VM tasks don’t get done for a couple quarter.
I like the direction you're going with this but note that a task being necessary also implies that it is important - otherwise it would be optional!
The only success I've ever had (but at a small co) with getting others to work out what is important and what isn't is by forcing the requester/decision maker to prioritize goals against each other. It gives the opportunity cost a more personal, and therefore real, taste.