Message #56023

[countrigal]

Definitely do something to acknowledge the person who has come to your desk and to ensure that they know you are actually on the phone.  Sometimes it's hard to tell when you use a headset.  The index finger with a bit of eye contact works well, perhaps even a small smile, to let them know you've seen them and will be right with them.  But remember that they're standing there and don't prolong your phone conversation.  The thing that irks me the most is when I come up to someone I need who's on the phone, who's motioned that they'll be with me soon and for me to wait, and then just as their conversation is concluding (you can normally tell) they decide to ask the person on the other end how the weather is, or how the family is, or some other nicety that while is good networking, is frustrating for me who's been waiting to speak to them.  When that's me, I normally tell the person, "Thanks, Jane.  I'll call sometime to catch up, but I've gotta go right now.  Take care!"  This way the person on the other end knows I'm not trying to be rude but that work is calling, and the person waiting for me isn't left hanging.

CountriGal
Peer Moderator