Clearing the office / workspace of PEOPLE (Full Version)

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momma_bee -> Clearing the office / workspace of PEOPLE (5/13/2008 11:21:20 AM)

Earlier today, I had one of those 'leave my office now' moments.


You know, there is work to be done and someone wants to chat instead. And, I can't hardly yell at them to just go, but I'm thinking it. I worked while they were here until they took the hint, because I didn't need to think much to do what I was doing.

I thought it would be neat to learn how others handle it.



momma_bee -> RE: Clearing the office / workspace of PEOPLE (5/13/2008 11:27:16 AM)

When I am on the phone with a co-worker / friend and the conversation has wandered away from work for too long, I can say 'I need to do my real job now' and it is ok - they do the same.

I have a friend who says 'someone just came in (the office)' but that only works with phone calls. And, I can't lie, even to get off the phone.

Last night, I told the fellow who was here that I had to leave to get DeeDee to piano (truly, I did) and turned off the computer / lights and put on my coat. He still talked in the hall...

My favorite trick? The coffee pot / water cooler. I will say that I'm going to get a drink and then 'walk them out' and say see you later after I fill my cup. I love that, because I get a reward (COFFEE) for moving folks onward...



NoShow -> RE: Clearing the office / workspace of PEOPLE (5/13/2008 12:41:11 PM)

I just point\nod at whatever I'm working on and say, "I'm on the clock with this\that."

I'll sometimes add in "I really want to hear how that (whatever they were talking about) turned out, maybe we can get together at lunch\after I finish\after work." ...but that's optional.



stimulus -> RE: Clearing the office / workspace of PEOPLE (5/14/2008 2:58:03 PM)

I try to stop giving cues to continue. For instance, I try not to nod, ask questions, or otherwise indicate interest.

I'll also look at the clock, turn back to my computer, or pick up papers on my desk and start reading\working. Sometimes, I'll put my hand on the phone receiver, as if I need to make a phone call when the person leaves.

And I will simply say, "That's interesting. Thanks for stopping by, but I've got to get back to work now."



momma_bee -> RE: Clearing the office / workspace of PEOPLE (5/14/2008 4:12:17 PM)

I like the phone one.

I had a call today and I said "I have to get back to work" and it started a conversation about whether or not I was working prior to the call [8|] After the smart remarks were done I said, "No, really, I need to work."

I can just here the response to being 'on the clock' because I'm salary - but I think it might work.

I do find that typing is a good indicator of 'busy-ness' either on the phone or in person. Even if you are sending a quick non-work related note, you SOUND very busy.

In this office, you are expected to drop everything when someone comes in - to the point of not answering an outside line. With that culture, it is hard to make folks see that they can leave and have had your undivided attention long enough.



momma_bee -> RE: Clearing the office / workspace of PEOPLE (5/14/2008 4:34:33 PM)

Oh, I just remembered one.

Our voice mail picks up after the 5th ring. If we know a dwadler is in someones office, we will call, let it ring 4 times, and hang up. Two or three times. If you are good, and want out of the conversation, you say "someone must be trying to reach me, they don't want my voice mail" and excuse yourself to take the call. If that doesn't send them scurrying, you answer the phone and then say "I was just getting back to work on that, just opening that file, meaning to answer your question, I have reviewed your notes, but didn't have a chance to respond"

You get the idea. It does rely on someone's help, but still...



NoShow -> RE: Clearing the office / workspace of PEOPLE (5/14/2008 6:05:04 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: momma_bee
I can just here the response to being 'on the clock' because I'm salary - but I think it might work.


On the clock meaning, it's due at a specific time\deadline. Or you can refer to it as "racing the clock"



WhiteRoseBlessings -> RE: Clearing the office / workspace of PEOPLE (5/14/2008 6:56:44 PM)

Smile, thank them for coming by and say, "I need to get back to work now" . . . and then truly shift your focus from them to your work (break eye contact).



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