Rescue Tip of the Day

While at work there are always those who will “park” themselves in your office for a long chat as if you have nothing better to do. They probably don’t themselves, which is why they’re there in the first place. Despite all attempts to look at your computer screen more than you look at them, and even though you're careful not to add anything to the conversation except a few “uh huh’s,” these distracters can easily make your visitor’s chair their home for 30 minutes or more. Since they don’t seem to be deterred by your insistence to keep typing away on your computer, a quick AIM to an office buddy, or even someone off-site, should go undetected. A simple “can you please call me into your office right now” or “can you ring my phone and talk to me about anything” should do the trick. You may even want to set up a distress signal with someone so that they realize the urgency of the situation. “The monkeys have taken over the zoo” should be sufficient. If the distracter is persistent, you’ll definitely need someone who can call you OUT of your office immediately. If that’s not a possibility, you’ll need someone who’s willing to fake a business call with you for a minute or more before the distracter finally gives up. Hang in there—you’ll be back to instant messaging and emailing (who said they were distracting you from work?) in no time.

Comments

JCo said…
I know EXACTLY what you are talking about Jules. Palmer had a certain individual working here in the not so distant past that everyone kept tabs on…knew his whereabouts, who he was talking to and how to avoid him. Since we have a relatively open office there was no need for a “monkey” call, we were all aware of who needed help and thus a kind sole would give the trapped coworker a ring or bring in an “important” work question to break up the one sided conversation. You quickly learn who has your back when faced with the chatty coworker situation!
Stephanie said…
Yeah....I've dealt with parkers over the past 5 1/2 years of my career world experience. What's even worse is when they are "dumpers" too (and by this I mean leaving all 14 of their emotional suitcases piled in your office when they finally do exit). Sometimes it helps to not have a visitor's chair, but then again they might perch on the edge of your desk (even worse). Unfortunately, not everyone is as aware of your parker plight as your coworkers were, Jen, and I've had to pull the(...gulp...) "brutal honesty" routine. The frenzy of monkeys overture sounds like a better route to take next time.
Rachel C. Clay said…
Okay, just wanted to say I am caught up with all the tips of the day, and I feel like a much more balanced and knowledgable person. Thanks! :)
Kris said…
Oh yeah...we have a man who was taken out of the class room because he couldn't teach. Now, he is one of the two, yes two teachers who is in the in school detension (SAFE) room. He just aimlessly wanders the hall day after day after day, and my room being where it is, if I don't look busy, he'll wander in, class or no class...
Anonymous said…
Interesting.... See how many ladies comment on this tip :)

Regard,
"Afraid to put my name"
Jules said…
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Anonymous said…
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Pete said…
Our guys friends doing read this site, except for Rob. Guess their lives are prefect. Matt doesn't even read it :-( Not word from Phil L., Brian, Steve, Matt C., Joe, Phil C., Tripp, Kyle, Adam...
Rachel C. Clay said…
Ummm...Kyle doesn't have Internet...have ya forgotten already?

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