Dealing with the Office Chatterbox

You’re trying to finish a project or about to call a customer when an officemate who loves to chat (this is an understatement) drops by to talk about his personal problems. You suddenly feel annoyed because he’s done this a lot of times in the past -- especially when you’re busy.

How are you going to deal with this?

Proactive approach is the key. In fact, it’s the only way. Prepare your canned responses – starting today. Some diplomatic and effective approaches include:

1) "I have only 5 free minutes to have a chat. I'm trying to finish something." (After 5 minutes is up, you can say, "Let me get back to my work now.")

2) "I have to return the call of a client." (This can done after the initial "hi" and when you have real calls to return)

3) "I'm about to pick up something in another office." Then you stand up. (This can be done after the initial "hi")

4) Put "don't disturb" sign outside your door. (Anyone should respect this.)

5) I appreciate you coming here to have a chat. But I'm really busy right now. How about if I call you when I'm free? (This is the more assertive approach.)

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