Title: peeves!
Post by: dettu on May 16, 2003, 07:03:30 pm
Probably we've done this one before, but coming back from lunch today I ran into one of my major pet peeves. I'll start out: when people leave things (work, notes for me, whatever) on my chair or on my keyboard. Like the inbox just isn't there, or because they are too important to use the lowly inbox everybody else uses. GRRRRR. Sorry, it's going to take that much longer for me to get to Project X, as I will now have to move it out of the way before I can even sit down and work...
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: blufire21 on May 16, 2003, 07:14:38 pm
My BIGGEST pet peeve is when someone puts something on your chair, but they don't say who it's from. The other day I cam back from lunch and this stack of paper was on my chair. No note, no explanation, and no owner. I spent 30 minutes asking who put it there so I can get it done, but no one would own up to it. An hour later, employee X calls and says did you get that stuff done? Well when I asked employee X if it was theirs, they told me no. I responded with that and said that since there were no instructions on the papers, I put in at the bottom of my to do file and they would have to wait.
Ellen (funny how red a person can get when you tell them no) in TX
Ellen (funny how red a person can get when you tell them no) in TX
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: spitfire78 on May 16, 2003, 09:04:38 pm
I just LOVE it when... I have a project I am working on spread out in front of me. I get interrupted by a phone call (a frequent situation in this job where the telephone is constantly ringing). While I'm on the phone, one of the bosses comes and puts something down RIGHT ON TOP OF THE PAPERS I'M WORKING ON. Grrrrrrrrr I don't know if they think that means I am going to drop the other project and do theirs first - NOT. Or if they think I won't see it unless they put it right under my nose (because, of course, I never check the inbox 
. Or if they are truly just oblivious. But it drives me crazy!
. Or if they are truly just oblivious. But it drives me crazy!Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: blufire21 on May 16, 2003, 09:23:52 pm
I think they're just oblivious. Here's another. I'm on the floor in the kitchen cleaning up a huge mess from an exploded coke can (of course no one will admit that they turned down the fridge), and boss man walks up to me to hand me a letter to be mail. Why do they get huffy when you ask them to put it in your inbox? Do they really want it to go out with cola stains on it?
Ellen (I could do this ALL day!!!!!)
Ellen (I could do this ALL day!!!!!)
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: chris68 on May 16, 2003, 10:15:04 pm
Oh you don't have enough hours in the day for this one that's for sure. How about your boss calls in while on vacation (HELLO YOUR ON VACATION) and gets angry cause he can't find me right away and the temp we had answering the phones yesterday was told not to page unless its an emergency. Calling your Secretary while on vacation does not constitute an emregency in my book. Well he gets ticked cause he gets put back to my voice mail three times. Yells at me and threatens to put me up at the switchboard. I said NO and that sets him off. I explained that our Receptionist was out for the day and that temp has only been on the board for a few hours. Sheesh...talk about relaxed while on vacation. Boy I tell ya. Oh and he called in twice today. What am I not working and just lolly gagin around while he's off on vacation? Hello!!!! I've been working with him for 6 years, you think he knows me better than that. Or is he just plain bored with nothin better to do. Hmmmm........gotta love it tho.
Chris68
Peer Moderator
Chris68
Peer Moderator
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: Jackie G on May 17, 2003, 09:37:42 am
Sounds like he's missing you, Chris LOL!
Jackie
www.iqps.org
Peer Moderator
Jackie
www.iqps.org
Peer Moderator
Title: Re: more peeves!
Post by: movinonup on May 18, 2003, 01:28:23 pm
Mine is when I've got to get the monthly report to my boss by the last working day of the month and ONE person ALWAYS forgets to get their portion to me. This has been going on for 2 1/2 years now, and the same person still forgets. That means that I've completed over 24 reports in this manner, and 24 times he forgets when it's due. I even send out reminders to all 8 engineers every month when the due date nears, but because he forgets and I have to remind him AGAIN when it isn't received, that means I have to edit his LATE report before I add it to the others in the compilation, and that makes my report late, too.
Movinonup
Movinonup
Title: Re: more peeves!
Post by: chris68 on May 18, 2003, 03:37:09 pm
What we've been doing is leaving that portion of the monthly report right out. It goes to the corporate office without that section in there with no explanation. I used to put a memo in due to travel constraints yada yada, but now bossie is gettng smart and saying no more care taking, if it's not done it doesn't go in. Doesn't mean that I'm still not copying the report at 3:00/4:00 and our fedex has already been picked up which means I have to take it to a drop on my way home. Drives me bannanas that we don't get each portion we are supposed to and your right you have to ask more than once for the other sections of it and hope it goes out on time. Even with the other portions missing.
As far as bossie missing me, probably and probably a bit bored as well.
Chris68
Peer Moderator
As far as bossie missing me, probably and probably a bit bored as well.
Chris68
Peer Moderator
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: JessW on May 19, 2003, 10:13:08 am
I agree - withdrawal symptoms from his usual gentle ministrations by your good self (like my boss ringing me while I was on loo at Little Chef half way up A1 or trying not to get soaked in rain storm one Sunday down Les Champs (sp?).
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: elkiedee on May 19, 2003, 10:50:06 am
Yes, I hate stuff left on my chair too. I've much less space for new stuff to be left but there is some on my desk, and I can't look at it properly standing up. Some of my fee earner colleagues do prefer stuff left on their chair but I like it where I can
see it and sort through it.
It bugs me intensely when people who can't find anything (usually their own fault) assume you must have it. The people I work directly for are great, and I'm ready to believe it's me if something's missing - when both of them were away I put a file back on the wrong desk and discovered my idiocy when Guy was missing his file. The real problem is the colleagues I've never worked directly for as I don't necessarily get to explain how I work things to them.
The other secretary is having major problems with people turning over her work rootling through it. One guy who she works for, I don't normally, is convinced that we must have buried a file if he can't find it, and I always ask why people think I might have it. It's not rude though I'm sure it gets taken that way, but I don't keep files on my desk for no reason, there's not enough of it for that.
With requests to do something, I always say, please can I have that in writing. Either on a form or by email. I can check back when I have a second to do it, see exactly what I need to do, copy references to other forms if I need to, and keep a record to show what I've been doing all day. I'm sure colleagues think I'm mad doing this when I'm in the same room as them, but my boss made me email her all messages when she was at the desk a few feet away rather than word of mouth or notes and it does work.
see it and sort through it.
It bugs me intensely when people who can't find anything (usually their own fault) assume you must have it. The people I work directly for are great, and I'm ready to believe it's me if something's missing - when both of them were away I put a file back on the wrong desk and discovered my idiocy when Guy was missing his file. The real problem is the colleagues I've never worked directly for as I don't necessarily get to explain how I work things to them.
The other secretary is having major problems with people turning over her work rootling through it. One guy who she works for, I don't normally, is convinced that we must have buried a file if he can't find it, and I always ask why people think I might have it. It's not rude though I'm sure it gets taken that way, but I don't keep files on my desk for no reason, there's not enough of it for that.
With requests to do something, I always say, please can I have that in writing. Either on a form or by email. I can check back when I have a second to do it, see exactly what I need to do, copy references to other forms if I need to, and keep a record to show what I've been doing all day. I'm sure colleagues think I'm mad doing this when I'm in the same room as them, but my boss made me email her all messages when she was at the desk a few feet away rather than word of mouth or notes and it does work.
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: carrielgreen on May 19, 2003, 01:53:09 pm
Hi all - i've just started a new job as Office Manager in a small IT company, the office is in a managed office building - There's only 6 of us and i'm usually there on my own - what really gets up my nose is when people from other companies barge in...... and expect my undivided attention when they can clearly see i'm on the phone and/or busy. One day last week i even had to lock myself in as i wasnt getting anything done for interuptions.......
ah that feels better................. i'm glad i got that off my chest
Luckily it's only a number of people, i'm thinking of putting a note on the door saying "do not disturb", please call extXXX - it'll probably get the message across
ah that feels better................. i'm glad i got that off my chest
Luckily it's only a number of people, i'm thinking of putting a note on the door saying "do not disturb", please call extXXX - it'll probably get the message across
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: Katie G on May 19, 2003, 02:11:24 pm
Congratulations on your new job, Carrie!
This scene plays out a minimum of 2 times a day:
I am at my desk, with the handset of the phone crooked between my ear and shoulder, pen in hand, writing fast and furious, and some ignoramus comes up to me and just STARTS TALKING at me. HELLOO! I am ON THE PHONE!
It seems they think that if you're not talking yourself, that nobody else is talking either. I always want to throttle them and say, "Hey, you knucklehead, just because YOU can't hear the other half doesn't mean there isn't a conversation going on that YOU just interrupted!"
I don't get how these folks, who insist on having the latest laptops, handhelds, and whatever other gizmos they want, can't understand the simple concept behind a TELEPHONE.
This scene plays out a minimum of 2 times a day:
I am at my desk, with the handset of the phone crooked between my ear and shoulder, pen in hand, writing fast and furious, and some ignoramus comes up to me and just STARTS TALKING at me. HELLOO! I am ON THE PHONE!
It seems they think that if you're not talking yourself, that nobody else is talking either. I always want to throttle them and say, "Hey, you knucklehead, just because YOU can't hear the other half doesn't mean there isn't a conversation going on that YOU just interrupted!"
I don't get how these folks, who insist on having the latest laptops, handhelds, and whatever other gizmos they want, can't understand the simple concept behind a TELEPHONE.
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: hooper on May 19, 2003, 02:21:59 pm
Ok, my boss has purchased me a cell phone so he can call me after hours (what a nuisance it is when my 10 hour working day ends for him, actually he is being forced to leave me messages as he is discovering I don't have it turned on after 5:30....naughty bad admin!). However, in our new office he is having the door removed from my office so he can shout for me rather than call my extension to get me to come to him!! Perhaps I will be required to fetch and rollover!! Does this strike anyone else as prehistoric?
(ukflag)
(ukflag)
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: bethanial on May 19, 2003, 02:32:53 pm
Well, I actually LIKE having new important stuff left in my chair. My desk is very messy, with paperwork, etc, scattered about. I TRY to keep it to a minimum, but since I am the office here, it keeps piling up. And my inbox . . . what's that? That black thing that has stuff piled in it, around it, etc? Oh well . . .
Peer Moderator
Peer Moderator
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: JessW on May 19, 2003, 02:33:26 pm
If he removes the door you should remove your ability to hear anything shouted through that particular doorway. Just ignore him until he is prepared to act in either a) a responsible fashion (something he would expect of his children/wife/girlfriend/parents) orb) he puts the door back on and uses the correct procedure (using the telephone to request your presence).
Just my 2 cents worth! or am I being bloody minded about (lets face it) rude bahaviour.
Jess
Just my 2 cents worth! or am I being bloody minded about (lets face it) rude bahaviour.
Jess
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: countrigal on May 19, 2003, 03:05:54 pm
Ok, I'll admit that I'm working in an office that is like a dream. I really can't come up with any real peeves here in the office. Everyone respects each other and their space, things are only left for us where we ask them to leave it, and if a new task is left to handle, the leaver also includes a note and their name. But this weekend, my pet peeve was hilighted for me at home. I hate when you call someone's name (from one part of the house to the next) and they don't take the time to walk to you to see what you want. If I hear my name called, I locate hubby and see what he needs, but if I call him, he just hollars back or ignores me. This last time I had my hands full, was getting ready to drop something from a cabinet onto my head, and hubby didn't bother to come to the call, even though it was followed by help. I ended up juggling everything, manageing to drop only 1 item -- and not on my head! -- and when I went back to hubby (who was on his computer) he innocently asked me what I wanted. Hello!! If someone calls you, walk to them to find out what they need. I only call through the house when I can't walk to them to have the conversation, normally because of something I'm doing or needing help on.
CountriGal
Peer Moderator
CountriGal
Peer Moderator
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: hooper on May 19, 2003, 03:11:38 pm
No, I totally agree with you. Think I may develop this serious hearing disability you suggested, perhaps combined with a good healthy dose of "far-too-busy-to-get-upitus". A fairly debilitating combination, which can only cured by an injection of respectful communication I understand...that or a substantial pay rise.
(ukflag)
(ukflag)
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: twhfan on May 19, 2003, 04:22:14 pm
My biggest pet peeve at the office is when someone (co-worker) phones me, I answer, and the person who called continues to carry on a conversation with a person they are with, or they ask me to hold, expecting me to wait until they are finished before they talk to me! Excuse me, you idiot! Don't call me until you are ready to talk!! It just feels so rude and disrespectful and it makes my blood boil.
When this happens, I usually say hello once (while they are talking to someone else) and then hang up the phone if they don't speak to me. When they call back and ask why I hung up, I reply that it appeared they weren't ready to talk since they were carrying on another conversation. I know this sounds harsh, but I'm far too busy to waste time like this. It seldom happens twice. Obviously, I don't do this to the Boss or to external callers...
When this happens, I usually say hello once (while they are talking to someone else) and then hang up the phone if they don't speak to me. When they call back and ask why I hung up, I reply that it appeared they weren't ready to talk since they were carrying on another conversation. I know this sounds harsh, but I'm far too busy to waste time like this. It seldom happens twice. Obviously, I don't do this to the Boss or to external callers...
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: blufire21 on May 19, 2003, 04:29:45 pm
OH! Oh! Another one I have is when they call you on the phone and dont' wait for you to answer. I admin for the whole office, and if I'm away from my desk, it might take me a couple of seconds to get back there. Then they want to know why I didn't call them back. Well if I dont' see what extention called me, then I can't call you back!
Ellen (Sheesh!) in TX
Ellen (Sheesh!) in TX
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: deedee on May 19, 2003, 07:10:49 pm
I just got done exploding over this one! How about the people who are too bone lazy to return a used toner cartridge! I have the instructions posted EVERYWHERE and I work with a large group of (supposedly) educated people who simply cannot be bothered to take a used cartridge to the mail room. Instead they leave the used cartridge in a box and shove it under the table, leading me to think I have a supply of new toner when in fact the last one is already used! AUGH! And they wonder why my eyelid twitches that way......I look like Inspector Dreyfus from the Clouseau movies!!!!
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: ozbound on May 19, 2003, 10:06:55 pm
No, that just sounds plain ole-lazy to me! Maybe you could respond in kind: next time he asks for that memo he wanted you to type, fashion it into a paper airplane and shoot it through the open doorway at him! 
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: ozbound on May 19, 2003, 10:11:55 pm
Heh heh, well here, it's standard practice to leave stuff on people's chairs--partciulary important stuff--because most folks' desks are so messy (and their in-boxes overflowing) that they'd miss it otherwise!
My pet peeve is when people don't give me time to do my job properly! They'll give me something that was supposed to go out yesterday, when I'm already in the middle of an "emergency" job, and I barely have time to do it much less proof it and make sure it's accurate like I'm supposed to. I just tell them it's going to take me X amount of time and they will have to wait--after all they waited this long to get it to me!
My pet peeve is when people don't give me time to do my job properly! They'll give me something that was supposed to go out yesterday, when I'm already in the middle of an "emergency" job, and I barely have time to do it much less proof it and make sure it's accurate like I'm supposed to. I just tell them it's going to take me X amount of time and they will have to wait--after all they waited this long to get it to me!
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: hooper on May 20, 2003, 04:46:23 pm
That I like also!!....Was thinking I know I'm not allowed a door (clearly a luxury item) I see no reason that I shouldn't have some hippie rainbow bead fringeing?
(ukflag)
(ukflag)
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: bethalize on May 20, 2003, 05:00:46 pm
Yes, the door thing. Isn't odd that terribly important bossie hasn't considered the possibility that people might want to talk to him without you overhearing? And what about his personal or sensitive phone calls? If it's awfully important and he can hear you in the background on a routine call, wouldn't that be annoying for him? Nudge, nudge, wink ,wink.
Bethalize
Peer Moderator
Bethalize
Peer Moderator
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: bethalize on May 20, 2003, 05:03:33 pm
Reminds me of a sign I saw in a copy shop:
"We do good, quick and cheap. You can have any two."
Bethalize
Peer Moderator
"We do good, quick and cheap. You can have any two."
Bethalize
Peer Moderator
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: hooper on May 20, 2003, 05:18:35 pm
I am actually the most confidential/discreet Assistant in the entire universe due to the fact that I find all of my bosses' conversations/letters/general business communications to be impressively effective narcoleptics, who needs sleeping tablets when you have my boss!! However, I definately talk loudly, and can talk even louder if required, so good suggestion!. Am also considering developing a deeply irrating nasal laugh (some may say "developing"?).
(ukflag)
(ukflag)
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: radaro on May 21, 2003, 03:45:07 pm
I hate when people leave you an urgent message and then don't leave either a name or number or both! How the heck am I supposed to get back to you? ESP?
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: Christine Itterly on May 21, 2003, 03:55:33 pm
My favorite is when bossie comes to me to get him airline tickets to fly round trip, in like 3 day, and wants me to find a rate that is cheap (especially when he has known about the trip for 3 weeks). How many times do I have to explain that the more time you give me to book a ticket, the less the price will be. And then he has the nerve to get upset with me because a ticket that would have cost $250.00 - $300.00 two weeks out, is now $550.00 - $600.00. gggggggrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!
I'm tempted to send him for free (on the end of my foot that is).
I'm tempted to send him for free (on the end of my foot that is).
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: blufire21 on May 21, 2003, 04:06:16 pm
When will I ever learn that I need to not drink ANYTHING when I'm reading the boards? I'm still laughing at the mental image of Bossie being sent out the door for a nice long trip via My Foot Airlines ;)
Ellen (I hear they have a great special...2 feet for the price of one) in TX
Ellen (I hear they have a great special...2 feet for the price of one) in TX
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: Jackie G on May 21, 2003, 08:39:12 pm
Ellen
better learn before that new job kicks in!!! LOL
Jackie
www.iqps.org
Peer Moderator
better learn before that new job kicks in!!! LOL
Jackie
www.iqps.org
Peer Moderator
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: blufire21 on May 21, 2003, 11:15:13 pm
Well I've actually "worked" for these guys before, it's just official now. They know me, and it shouldn't be too bad. I doubt I'll have time to visit the boards at work anyway I'll be so busy.
Ellen (Yes. Yes. I know the men in the white coats are my friends) in TX
Ellen (Yes. Yes. I know the men in the white coats are my friends) in TX
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: catsmeat on May 22, 2003, 09:47:31 am
I had a boss that did that .... wouldn't believe anything I told him, had to find out for himself. He got narked because flying a rep in from Ireland was going to cost £200+ (at short notice), and he'd seen on the Web that you could do Belfast-London return for from £60. He even found the site for me, and was very smug to have got one over on me.
"Ok" I said. "Now put in the actual dates that Rep has to be here".
Tippety-tappety-tap ..... crestfallen boss found that the best rate he could get for the days in question was over £200.
Did he seriously think that I was going to blow company money for the hell of it on something that wouldn't benefit me?
boggles
"Ok" I said. "Now put in the actual dates that Rep has to be here".
Tippety-tappety-tap ..... crestfallen boss found that the best rate he could get for the days in question was over £200.
Did he seriously think that I was going to blow company money for the hell of it on something that wouldn't benefit me?
boggles
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: bohorquez on May 29, 2003, 06:21:08 pm
I have three things!
1. I hate the fact that I can't even go the potty having to scream (from the potty) to ANSWER THE PHONE!!! We're small about 12 employees and my phone rings the loudest and I'm gone 2 minutes in the potty and my phone can ring and ring and ring and no one thinks to pick it up!
2. After bossy tells me the times they want their airline tickets booked they call me from the airport and says, "Bridge, see if there is an earlier flight out of here and book me a seat!" ARG!
3. After I make the announce that email or internet is down and I don't know when it's going to be back up..... Everyone yelling "Is internet down? When is it coming back up?"
---
Bridget
Wife to Eduardo (12/4/99), Mommy to Aaron (10/26/01)
1. I hate the fact that I can't even go the potty having to scream (from the potty) to ANSWER THE PHONE!!! We're small about 12 employees and my phone rings the loudest and I'm gone 2 minutes in the potty and my phone can ring and ring and ring and no one thinks to pick it up!
2. After bossy tells me the times they want their airline tickets booked they call me from the airport and says, "Bridge, see if there is an earlier flight out of here and book me a seat!" ARG!
3. After I make the announce that email or internet is down and I don't know when it's going to be back up..... Everyone yelling "Is internet down? When is it coming back up?"
---
Bridget
Wife to Eduardo (12/4/99), Mommy to Aaron (10/26/01)
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: chris68 on May 29, 2003, 06:40:25 pm
Or in regards to the bathroom topic my two biggest pet peeves are when bossie is on travel status and I'm not by the phone to take his call. I'm afraid I need ESP for that one cause some days he calls in multiple times and others he doesn't call in at all. OR I'm in the ladies room, he's in the office and he gets a sales call. That will set him off to no end. I need a port-a-potty and a portable phone on my hip so I can answer the phone while he's on travel status. I swear he has a sixth sense about when I'm gonna be away from my office for a second and decides to call. For a while there it was a big joke about always catching me in the John. Oh and we were discussing the portable phone and ringing while I'm in the ladies room! That was fun! Gee bossie I'm in the bathroom can you tell? LOL!
Chris68
Peer Moderator
Chris68
Peer Moderator
Title: Re: peeves!
Post by: dettu on May 29, 2003, 07:22:21 pm
Mine is travelling and called today during the ONE trip I made to the washroom all morning, and he HAD ME PAGED when I didn't answer. I *knew* it had to be him so I literally sprinted back to my desk to answer it, b/c picking up another extension would have been really counterproductive. I seriously wish science would come up with a way for me to just vaporize it out my ears or something.