If you're supervisor is talking to you and the phone rings, what do you do?

Question

I don't wanna interrupt my boss while she's talking. But at the same time, the ringing phone is distracting. What's the best way to handle this?

Answer 1

if ur in sales say excuse me and make ur money

Answer 2

I really think it is a judgement call, depending on what kind of work you do and what kind of conversation you are having with your supervisor. If it is just an ordianary day-to-day operational type converstation, then I would take the call. If you are in sales or customer support then I would also take the call. If you do answer the phone, just say excuse me and maybe briefly state why you are taking the call if it is not obvious to your supervisor.

Answer 3

If the conversation with your supervisor is not verry important ask permision and answer, but be verry short - asking the person who's calling to leave their number and you'll return the call, or ask them to call later. If it doesn't show disrespect for clients (depending on the field you're working in), you can just pick up the phone and leave it off the cradle.

Answer 4

You just say excuse me and answer the phone. Then your supervisor will say put them on hold or you just finish the call because you cant really be comfortable while you got people on hold. I dont know thats what I do you'll get the hang of it.

Answer 5

You should know ahead of time what your company's policy is on answering the phones, and your boss should have been the one to tell you to answer the phone and should hold her thought. Customers are more important at all times.

Answer 6

I look at the caller ID, but usually if this happens, by supervisor will tell me that he'll come back (which isn't always necessary because sometimes its someone/something that can wait).

Answer 7

I would stand there until i get her complete attention, if it is very very important, But if it is not that important something you can handle yourself i would walk away, and come back later, or If you are a very bold person i would grab the receiver and hang up on the other person , that will get her attention,

Answer 8

Say "excuse me" and then answer the phone. It's best to do your job. It wouldn't look good to ignore the ring.

Answer 9

If your supervisor is talking to you, let the call go into voicemail, especially, if the caller ID, indicates personal/family calling.

Answer 10

If she gets angry tell her a phony thing that your children are alone at home today and need to have this open line in case... hehehe

Make sure you put the phone silent next time.

Answer 11

Ask your supervisor the next chance you get.

You might be surprised!

Also explain why you feel you shouldn't, and should.

This is NOT sex, but it is a relationship and communication solves all troubles in a relationship.