[WalterBright]

I'd tell the manager that I was overbooked (which I normally was), would list the activities, and ask him what should be cut.

It's not hard, and if you cultivate a track record of delivering on your word, he'll appreciate it.

If you say yes to things you cannot deliver, when you don't, he won't respect your judgment.

[WalterBright]

In general, the way to move ahead with your boss and your customers is to underpromise and overdeliver. Most people overpromise and underdeliver, so there's a large opportunity there.

[thecombjelly]

> and ask him what should be cut

Or her.