the unwelcome mat to my cube

[dettu]

I have an extra chair in my cubicle so that if a co-worker needs to sit down (or on the rare occasion a friend stops by) we don't have to hunt down a spare for that person to use.

One of my managers has taken to walking right in and planting herself in the chair, without asking first. She did it several times in one day last week. Anyone sitting in the chair can see my screen, etc. and is only about 2 feet from me. I don't mind the occasional visitor, but I didn't intend for this chair to be someone's home away from home.

I don't want to issue some kind of blanket email request, because in past positions when I've asked politely for others to please at least ask before entering my cube, this was perceived as "unfriendly" and "not helpful" and "you think you're better than everyone else." I'm serious.

But--I'm really not happy about this person (or anyone, if anyone else did it) entering repeatedly and sitting for a spell, uninvited. Right now I have a large cardboard box full of a delivery of supplies that I have purposely avoided unpacking; I put it on the chair so nobody could sit down unless I moved it. The one inviting-herself person has stopped by several times already today and eyed the chair, but has been unable to just park there. However, I can't keep the box there forever.

Anyone have a good, subtle way to keep my chair invite-only?

[raindance]

You could try telling people that the chair is where your imaginary friend sits - that should scare them away .

The only thing I can suggest is that when people sit down, you ask whether you can help them (with the biggest, sweetest smile you can manage) and if they say no, then just reply "I'm sorry, but I have something important to finish right now ..."  Nine times out of ten, they will go away, but you will still be friends.

The thing is that such a chair will invite people to sit down.  I have a visitor chair in my office and people DO visit, which is fine because I'm happy to see my colleagues or directors of my organisation.  They can distract from my work, but networking is work too.  


Raindance

[misslynn]

I agree, a chair is inviting visitors.  To break the habit, you may need to just remove the chair for a while.  Sounds like the difficulty is not so much that you have a visitor but that that person can see your computer and it's a bit of an invasion of privacy, can you move the chair at all so that it doesn't face your computer?

[gee4]

I agree with the others.  You should move the chair so that if anyone does need to use it they have to bring it to your desk.  I know also that a vacant chair is an invite for people to sit down - I've done it myself!  Perhaps you should rethink the whole idea - I mean if you need to have a meeting with someone maybe you can arrange the chair prior to that meeting rather than having it sitting ready for others to pounce!

G

[dettu]

No, I've got to keep the chair. Before I had my own guest chair, it was just incredibly unhandy--I need a chair in here several times a day.

What if I got a big fuzzy chenille pillow and put it on the chair? Then they wouldn't sit right down, they'd have to think about it first? If I got a pink one, it could add to the Illusion of Pinkness that I've created for my cube...hmm.

[countrigal]

Is it possible (not a safety hazard) to put it just outside your cube?  That way it's there when you need it, just needs to be turned around and bumped into the cube.  Otherwise, it's in the "hallway" and not so inviting for folks to sit in.

If not, then the option of politely asking if you can help them, perhaps with even the more noticeable hint of turning off your monitor while you talk to them, might be the way to go.  Do you have any catalogs that you order supplies from that might be able to sit on the chair on a day-to-day basis?  Just trying to brainstorm an ideal way to get the chair vacated when you're not wanting the unwanted visitor.

CountriGal
Peer Moderator

[mlm668]

Ok, maybe I missed something here but if it is one of your managers doing the "visiting", why would it matter if he/she saw your monitor?  I know its annoying, but if you work for them, aren't they entitled to see what you're working on?

Other than removing the chair completely, I'd vote for either rearranging the cubicle so the chair doesn't face the monitor or moving the monitor so it isn't seen from the chair.  Another suggestion is one of those things that act like blinders on the monitor so you can't see what's on it unless you're directly in front of it.  My boss has one on his and even though his visitor's chair is at an angle to his monitor, I can't see what he's looking at unless I stand beside him.

I guess I'm lucky that I have an office with enough space that I was able to arrange it so that no one can see my monitor without walking around my desk (gives me enough time to reduce screens if needed) and my visitor's chair is on the opposite side of my desk completely.



Michelle

[belkys]

Hello, Detu.

I can think of the following:

Substitute stacks of folders for the box of supplies after you unpack it. When a legitimate guest arrives, just move the folders temporarily on to your desk.

You could say that you are expecting someone and will need the chair (may work only in a few occassions)

Can the chair be tucked in under your desk counter so that it's not immediately available for just dropping on it?

Notify that you are working with sensitive information on your screen and would appreciate privacy. After all, you couldn't just leave your cubicle until she decides to leave.

[dettu]

Thanks, Michelle--actually, the last time she did this, I was working on a peer review for one of my admin co-workers. That's private business, as they are meant to be anonymous and no one should get to see what I answer regarding another employee. It's also required, so I do these on company time.

I can't leave the thing in the "hallway" as it would definitely be a safety problem, but I could try to get it under my counter.

[mlm668]

Dettu,

I can't find the thing bossie has on his - probably aren't made anymore and this one's been around the office for years.  Have you considered a privacy filter?  If I recall correctly, these keep anyone who isn't directly in front of the monitor from seeing what's up there.  Its an option worth looking into.

Michelle

[whitesatin]

Yes.  The filter is a great idea.  Plus I like CountriGal's suggestion to turn off your monitor when guests come to visit.  Let us know what you decide to do and how it works out for you.  You may want to work out a combination of all of the above to rotate your strategy.  May make life a bit more of a challenge and interesting.

WhiteSatin

[gee4]

I always minimise my screen when colleagues come to my desk - just personal preference and it's company policy that no-one should see my bosses in-box either.  

G

[msmarieh]

Just an fyi for you, you can minimize all open windows at once, by pressing the windows key (which has the windows icon on it and is located between the Ctrl and Alt keys) and the letter m. Most people don't know that the windows key actually does have functionality. The windows key and Shift-m will return your windows to what they were before.

I would also second the above recommendations for a privacy filter.

And personally, I am not surprised it earned you a poor reputation to ask people to ask permission before entering your cube. Most people just don't really think about it.

My question - is she visiting you just to chat or to discuss work? I think that makes a big difference. If it is to chat, I would tell her that you're sorry but you are in the middle of a deadline project. If it is for work, how about suggesting that you finish up what you are doing and come see her in her office in "x" minutes?

Marie

[reddrogue]

Yes, privacy filters also cut down on glare from your screen.  I know exactly how you feel.  I HATE it when people can see my screen.  It doesn't matter what I'm doing, I just feel like they should go away unless invited.  

The other thing I'm thinking of is that this manager dropping in all day long has got to be a major DISTRACTION to you getting your work done in any kind of a timely fashion.  Perhaps you should simply request that they not drop by so often because it holds you up from getting your work done.  Can't he/she call you or instant message you or something?  Sheesh!

Rr

[reddrogue]

WOW, I never knew the Windows key had that particular function!  Thanks for the info.  Privacy hounds such as myself can really use this function.

Rr