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  3. How to politely tell someone I'm actually busy

How to politely tell someone I'm actually busy

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  • H HobbyProggy

    Amazon.de: Do Not Disturb I'm Disturbed Enough As It Is! Blech-Wandschild zum Aufhängen[^] Hang it up when you need it, tell him when it's down you are free to talk.

    Rules for the FOSW ![^]

    if(!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(_signature))
    {
    MessageBox.Show("This is my signature: " + Environment.NewLine + _signature);
    }
    else
    {
    MessageBox.Show("404-Signature not found");
    }

    D Offline
    D Offline
    Dominic Burford
    wrote on last edited by
    #13

    Now that could come in very handy :thumbsup:

    "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

    H 1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • H HobbyProggy

      Amazon.de: Do Not Disturb I'm Disturbed Enough As It Is! Blech-Wandschild zum Aufhängen[^] Hang it up when you need it, tell him when it's down you are free to talk.

      Rules for the FOSW ![^]

      if(!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(_signature))
      {
      MessageBox.Show("This is my signature: " + Environment.NewLine + _signature);
      }
      else
      {
      MessageBox.Show("404-Signature not found");
      }

      A Offline
      A Offline
      Amarnath S
      wrote on last edited by
      #14

      Yes, when I was an employee of GE, they had given all the employees a big placard to hang at the desk, having the words "Imagination at Work" which was another way of telling that "I am thinking and working; leave me alone".

      1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • H HobbyProggy

        Amazon.de: Do Not Disturb I'm Disturbed Enough As It Is! Blech-Wandschild zum Aufhängen[^] Hang it up when you need it, tell him when it's down you are free to talk.

        Rules for the FOSW ![^]

        if(!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(_signature))
        {
        MessageBox.Show("This is my signature: " + Environment.NewLine + _signature);
        }
        else
        {
        MessageBox.Show("404-Signature not found");
        }

        K Offline
        K Offline
        Kschuler
        wrote on last edited by
        #15

        I worked at a place that would legit have "Do not disturb" hours for the staff. They were having issues with too many interruptions that were actually work related. So for a couple of distributed hours sets of people would have a sign up. It was to help people collect a list of questions before interrupting their supervisors instead of interrupting them every time they hit a question. Seemed to help.

        1 Reply Last reply
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        • D Dominic Burford

          I have a work colleague who has a habit of disturbing me while I'm working. He's a great bloke in every other sense, but he will often disturb me while I'm working with non-work related conversations e.g. "Hey did you see this on the news this morning....." etc. These can occur at any time of the day, not just lunchtime. I appreciate his friendliness, but would also appreciate being left alone to get on with my job. I don't mind the work related discussion, but I find the non-work related chat a distraction. What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

          "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

          P Offline
          P Offline
          PIEBALDconsult
          wrote on last edited by
          #16

          No idea... I wouldn't bother being polite.

          S 1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • D Dominic Burford

            I have a work colleague who has a habit of disturbing me while I'm working. He's a great bloke in every other sense, but he will often disturb me while I'm working with non-work related conversations e.g. "Hey did you see this on the news this morning....." etc. These can occur at any time of the day, not just lunchtime. I appreciate his friendliness, but would also appreciate being left alone to get on with my job. I don't mind the work related discussion, but I find the non-work related chat a distraction. What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

            "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

            D Offline
            D Offline
            dandy72
            wrote on last edited by
            #17

            Don't take your eyes off of your monitor, keep typing, but start leaning towards the other guy as if you were about to turn your head to face him, but don't do it just yet--clearly acknowledging his presence, but making it obvious you're trying to complete this one last thing before facing him. Then in one brisk move, bring your full attention back to your monitor as if you've just spotted an error that needs an immediate correction. Start over again. Do it a couple of times. Exaggerate it all like one of those extended Family Guy skits that takes forever to go anywhere.

            K 1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • D Dominic Burford

              I have a work colleague who has a habit of disturbing me while I'm working. He's a great bloke in every other sense, but he will often disturb me while I'm working with non-work related conversations e.g. "Hey did you see this on the news this morning....." etc. These can occur at any time of the day, not just lunchtime. I appreciate his friendliness, but would also appreciate being left alone to get on with my job. I don't mind the work related discussion, but I find the non-work related chat a distraction. What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

              "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

              K Offline
              K Offline
              kmoorevs
              wrote on last edited by
              #18

              If you are busy and it's nothing important, get into the habit of not acknowledging them immediately...maybe at least a 10 second pause before looking up, or finishing that line of code. Also, continuing to type while they talk can also get the point across. One trick I've not been able to master though is typing and talking at the same time. :laugh:

              "Go forth into the source" - Neal Morse

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • D dandy72

                Don't take your eyes off of your monitor, keep typing, but start leaning towards the other guy as if you were about to turn your head to face him, but don't do it just yet--clearly acknowledging his presence, but making it obvious you're trying to complete this one last thing before facing him. Then in one brisk move, bring your full attention back to your monitor as if you've just spotted an error that needs an immediate correction. Start over again. Do it a couple of times. Exaggerate it all like one of those extended Family Guy skits that takes forever to go anywhere.

                K Offline
                K Offline
                kmoorevs
                wrote on last edited by
                #19

                Beat me to it and with much more flair and visual cues! Nice! :laugh:

                "Go forth into the source" - Neal Morse

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • D Dominic Burford

                  I have a work colleague who has a habit of disturbing me while I'm working. He's a great bloke in every other sense, but he will often disturb me while I'm working with non-work related conversations e.g. "Hey did you see this on the news this morning....." etc. These can occur at any time of the day, not just lunchtime. I appreciate his friendliness, but would also appreciate being left alone to get on with my job. I don't mind the work related discussion, but I find the non-work related chat a distraction. What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

                  "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

                  S Offline
                  S Offline
                  Slacker007
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #20

                  Dominic Burford wrote:

                  What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

                  Two words: starts with a capital F and ends in a lower case f, and has 7 letters total.

                  R 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • P PIEBALDconsult

                    No idea... I wouldn't bother being polite.

                    S Offline
                    S Offline
                    Slacker007
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #21

                    Exactly. :thumbsup:

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • S Slacker007

                      Dominic Burford wrote:

                      What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

                      Two words: starts with a capital F and ends in a lower case f, and has 7 letters total.

                      R Offline
                      R Offline
                      Rage
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #22

                      Fell off ? You ... push them ?

                      Do not escape reality : improve reality !

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • D Dominic Burford

                        I have a work colleague who has a habit of disturbing me while I'm working. He's a great bloke in every other sense, but he will often disturb me while I'm working with non-work related conversations e.g. "Hey did you see this on the news this morning....." etc. These can occur at any time of the day, not just lunchtime. I appreciate his friendliness, but would also appreciate being left alone to get on with my job. I don't mind the work related discussion, but I find the non-work related chat a distraction. What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

                        "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

                        C Offline
                        C Offline
                        Chris Maunder
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #23

                        Paste this[^] on his monitor

                        cheers Chris Maunder

                        G D 2 Replies Last reply
                        0
                        • D Dominic Burford

                          I have a work colleague who has a habit of disturbing me while I'm working. He's a great bloke in every other sense, but he will often disturb me while I'm working with non-work related conversations e.g. "Hey did you see this on the news this morning....." etc. These can occur at any time of the day, not just lunchtime. I appreciate his friendliness, but would also appreciate being left alone to get on with my job. I don't mind the work related discussion, but I find the non-work related chat a distraction. What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

                          "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

                          G Offline
                          G Offline
                          Gary Wheeler
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #24

                          I have a sign I place outside my cube that looks something like this:

                          Do Not Disturb Unless it's on fire

                          Software Zen: delete this;

                          C 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • C Chris Maunder

                            Paste this[^] on his monitor

                            cheers Chris Maunder

                            G Offline
                            G Offline
                            GuyThiebaut
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #25

                            :thumbsup: We have that in our kitchen at work.

                            “That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”

                            ― Christopher Hitchens

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • D Dominic Burford

                              I have a work colleague who has a habit of disturbing me while I'm working. He's a great bloke in every other sense, but he will often disturb me while I'm working with non-work related conversations e.g. "Hey did you see this on the news this morning....." etc. These can occur at any time of the day, not just lunchtime. I appreciate his friendliness, but would also appreciate being left alone to get on with my job. I don't mind the work related discussion, but I find the non-work related chat a distraction. What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

                              "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

                              G Offline
                              G Offline
                              GuyThiebaut
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #26

                              As other have suggested headphones - they don't need to know you are not listening to music and you can always get an app that will play various different types of white noise.

                              “That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”

                              ― Christopher Hitchens

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • D Dominic Burford

                                I have a work colleague who has a habit of disturbing me while I'm working. He's a great bloke in every other sense, but he will often disturb me while I'm working with non-work related conversations e.g. "Hey did you see this on the news this morning....." etc. These can occur at any time of the day, not just lunchtime. I appreciate his friendliness, but would also appreciate being left alone to get on with my job. I don't mind the work related discussion, but I find the non-work related chat a distraction. What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

                                "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

                                L Offline
                                L Offline
                                Lost User
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #27

                                This is how Hollywood demonstrates it: [Fuck Off - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRi0FT8uYMY)

                                D 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • D Dominic Burford

                                  I have a work colleague who has a habit of disturbing me while I'm working. He's a great bloke in every other sense, but he will often disturb me while I'm working with non-work related conversations e.g. "Hey did you see this on the news this morning....." etc. These can occur at any time of the day, not just lunchtime. I appreciate his friendliness, but would also appreciate being left alone to get on with my job. I don't mind the work related discussion, but I find the non-work related chat a distraction. What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

                                  "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

                                  L Offline
                                  L Offline
                                  Lost User
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #28

                                  Dominic Burford wrote:

                                  What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

                                  I just fart and magically people leave of their own accord.

                                  Michael Martin Australia "I controlled my laughter and simple said "No,I am very busy,so I can't write any code for you". The moment they heard this all the smiling face turned into a sad looking face and one of them farted. So I had to leave the place as soon as possible." - Mr.Prakash One Fine Saturday. 24/04/2004

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • D Dominic Burford

                                    I have a work colleague who has a habit of disturbing me while I'm working. He's a great bloke in every other sense, but he will often disturb me while I'm working with non-work related conversations e.g. "Hey did you see this on the news this morning....." etc. These can occur at any time of the day, not just lunchtime. I appreciate his friendliness, but would also appreciate being left alone to get on with my job. I don't mind the work related discussion, but I find the non-work related chat a distraction. What's a polite way of telling them that I'm actually busy.

                                    "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

                                    M Offline
                                    M Offline
                                    MarkTJohnson
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #29

                                    I can see JSOP quietly pull out a handgun and lay it on the desk. I know he wouldn't REALLY do it but I can picture it in my mind.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • C Chris Maunder

                                      Paste this[^] on his monitor

                                      cheers Chris Maunder

                                      D Offline
                                      D Offline
                                      Dominic Burford
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #30

                                      I'm going to Slack that to the team (and hope he takes the hint) :-D

                                      "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • L Lost User

                                        This is how Hollywood demonstrates it: [Fuck Off - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRi0FT8uYMY)

                                        D Offline
                                        D Offline
                                        Dominic Burford
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #31

                                        Short and to the point :thumbsup:

                                        "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • D Dominic Burford

                                          Now that could come in very handy :thumbsup:

                                          "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare Home | LinkedIn | Google+ | Twitter

                                          H Offline
                                          H Offline
                                          HobbyProggy
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #32

                                          Works for me so far, though you have to remember to put it down somewhen so the guys don't start ignoring it.

                                          Rules for the FOSW ![^]

                                          if(!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(_signature))
                                          {
                                          MessageBox.Show("This is my signature: " + Environment.NewLine + _signature);
                                          }
                                          else
                                          {
                                          MessageBox.Show("404-Signature not found");
                                          }

                                          1 Reply Last reply
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