Office Auntie
3 Nov 08
I can't breathe...
Dear Office Auntie
I am a junior manager in a finance team. I intend one day to be the finance director. I realise I must work hard and apprentice myself, this is what I do. I make sure I finish all my tasks on time and always volunteer. I also make sure that I understand all our systems and this is where my problem lies. I am the first port of call for anyone with a query, from directors to reception staff.
I have to come in earlier and earlier to do my job and then work as an advice bureau all day. You won’t persuade me to stand back from my ambitions but please help me breathe!
Auntie says
I think you enjoy your apparent indispensability and popularity, but you have become an easy way out for those with less energy. You are going to have to help them value your time more.
Here are some tips:
- Make sure your eyes look away from any access to your desk, then you can deliberately turn round when you want to be interrupted and otherwise remain engrossed in your work.
- Make out cribs for your most common queries and give out copies with verbal help.
- Tell everyone the best time to catch you, strongly implying “do not interrupt at other times”. No one will take offence because no one intends to be a nuisance; you have just become too accessible.
Don’t work yourself into the ground: you will need that energy when you are promoted.