Title: Headset Use
Post by: deedee on May 20, 2003, 05:06:03 pm
I recently began wearing a headset (ah, the freedom!) and I love it except for one small thing--people approaching me often can't tell that I am on a call, and begin to talk to me. I don't wish to be rude but I usually end up sort of tapping the headset and indicating that I am in fact on the phone. Do any other headset users have a handy method to let people know this? I want to point out that the little device that connects it to my phone has a red light on it, but the way my space is situated, the red light does little good because it's so small.
Title: Re: Headset Use
Post by: spitfire78 on May 20, 2003, 05:10:30 pm
Can't wait to hear some responses to this one! I do not have a headset. However, we have a few people here who do. And I find myself doing one of two things - either thinking they are not on the phone and talking to them only to find out that they are talking to someone on the phone or standing there waiting for them to get off the phone only to find out that they are not on the phone! I would love to know how to approach someone wearing a headset, so that I don't keep appearing like an inconsiderate jerk!!!!
Title: Re: Headset Use
Post by: blufire21 on May 20, 2003, 05:32:28 pm
I have heard of suggestions like putting something red on top of your monitor to let people know you are on the phone. Me I don't bother because being on the phone doesn't stop my guys from talking to me.
Ellen (They're almost like children when they want your attention) in TX
Ellen (They're almost like children when they want your attention) in TX
Title: Re: Headset Use
Post by: oceangirl on May 21, 2003, 12:37:53 pm
I have used a headset and found it to be a great friend in the office. Two hands free no neck-ache.
Just one snag people not knowing when you are on the phone.
I did find that people quickly realised that you may be on the phone. I have found that when they got used to it they would then approach quietly by asking other staff around you.
Some times a hand signal would be needed or a piece of paper saying I’m on the phone!
Some headsets have an amplifier which flashes yellow or green which can then be used to tell if you are on the phone, others have nothing depends on the network setting that are used in the office.
One thing I did find useful was to suddenly start talking to myself if I saw someone coming I didn’t want to start talking to because they were a bit of a time waster!
I have left that job now and have since found out the girls remaining have been fighting over the phone to get the headset! Meantime I’m just resting, going shopping and sailing!
Georgie Girl.
Just one snag people not knowing when you are on the phone.
I did find that people quickly realised that you may be on the phone. I have found that when they got used to it they would then approach quietly by asking other staff around you.
Some times a hand signal would be needed or a piece of paper saying I’m on the phone!
Some headsets have an amplifier which flashes yellow or green which can then be used to tell if you are on the phone, others have nothing depends on the network setting that are used in the office.
One thing I did find useful was to suddenly start talking to myself if I saw someone coming I didn’t want to start talking to because they were a bit of a time waster!
I have left that job now and have since found out the girls remaining have been fighting over the phone to get the headset! Meantime I’m just resting, going shopping and sailing!
Georgie Girl.
Title: Re: Headset Use
Post by: lioness on May 22, 2003, 06:22:16 pm
I use a headset all day and when people start talking to me, I usually mouth to them that I'm on the phone or look at them without responding so they know I'm listening to someone else. They apologize and walk away or indicate they'd like me to call them. Otherwise, they'll send me an e-mail or instant message. I can always answer those while talking/listening. There's nothing rude about it so don't feel guilty. The rude people are the ones who know you're on the phone and talk to you anyway. They're the ones who need to learn etiquette. Fortunately, my boss is one of the "walk-away-call-me-later-or-send-a-message" types. He's the only one who really matters.
Lioness, Queen of the Jungle
Lioness, Queen of the Jungle
Title: Re: Headset Use
Post by: bohorquez on May 29, 2003, 05:37:17 pm
I just got a headset that I've been wanting for sooooo long!
But I've just ignored them when they come to my desk. Even if they are talking to me. I just don't look them in the eye or if they continue to talk to me while I'm on the phone then I stick my finger in my ear and squint my eyes like I'm trying to hear the other person on the line! HAHA!
---
Bridget
Wife to Eduardo (12/4/99), Mommy to Aaron (10/26/01)
But I've just ignored them when they come to my desk. Even if they are talking to me. I just don't look them in the eye or if they continue to talk to me while I'm on the phone then I stick my finger in my ear and squint my eyes like I'm trying to hear the other person on the line! HAHA!
---
Bridget
Wife to Eduardo (12/4/99), Mommy to Aaron (10/26/01)