Solomon:

Covering for someone can feel like loyalty. Over time, it starts doing something else: absorbing their cost, hiding the problem from people who could fix it, and building resentment on your side.

Accountability works best in sequence. Address the impact directly first. Escalate only if the pattern continues or the work remains at risk.

Moses learned that carrying what others should own eventually weakens the whole system. Exodus 18.

Name exactly what you’ve been absorbing, then say it directly: “I’ve been picking up ___, and it’s affecting my ability to ___. I wanted to come to you before it becomes a bigger problem.” If nothing changes after that, take the impact to your manager. At that point, you’re not going around them—you’re addressing an unresolved operating problem.