Sometimes at work I'll tell someone...
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...then they proceed to talk (ramble) for 15 minutes. Other than cutting them off, what strategies should be employed?
2006-09-15 14:20:04 · 12 answers · asked by The ~Muffin~ Man 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
jsut walk away after a minute. get some coffee, come back and see if there still talking. If so, take appropriate actions.
2006-09-15 14:23:34 · answer #1 · answered by Shane 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Why don't you go to the meeting, and provide them with a 1 minute summary of what transpired. Given your exceptional ability to be succinct, you'll ultimately save overall manpower (at least 1/2 hour between the two of you) by doing it this way. If you perform the summary for two people, you can attend a one hour meeting and implement it's content more efficiently than anyone else you work with. You'll have that corner office in no time!
But assuming you're not the control freak you appear to be, and you don't simply think everyone else should flex to your busy schedule, try:
1. Asking for a summary via E-mail that you can scan at your own pace
2. Asking for the decisions that were made at the meeting, not for a summary of the meeting itself (If you are a control freak, you will be incapable of doing this!)
3. Ask when you know the person you are asking is going to another appointment.
4. Consider that your request may take more than 60 seconds.
5. Any combination of the above
Better look in the mirror, sport (and I say this with sincerity): No one rambles for 15 minutes without feedback. Somewhere in that time period, you're commenting, agreeing, disagreeing, asking for clarification, or otherwise encouraging additional discourse. Otherwise, you would have found a solution a long time ago.
2006-09-16 00:00:56 · answer #2 · answered by freebird 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When asking for the summary remain standing and state that you are headed to a 'meeting.' Look as though you are in a hurry.
Unfortunantely, if they still ramble, you will have to stop them and say, I am late, I have to go, I will get back with you later or ask for them to send you an email.
Some people, just like to ramble and you have to cut them off because they will take all of your time and drain all of your energy.
Best Wishes!!
2006-09-15 21:32:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I hate that ! I usually say "STOP!", while putting my hand up and repeat again to give me a one minute summary. If they don't get it by the second time, go to your office and close the door !
2006-09-15 23:39:19 · answer #4 · answered by vik 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Perhaps you could just pointedly look at your watch and they will get the hint. I can't think of anything else besides cutting them off somehow and you don't want to do that.....
2006-09-15 21:29:54 · answer #5 · answered by Carlyn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My children do this all the time. I am looking for "why is the baby whining?" and I get the "Well, I told her before breakfast...and I just...and she...and then...See?...Well she did not listen to me...and so I..." And then I start to hyperventilate, and finally "...she wants the red one...and I told her no"
UH-HUH.
2006-09-15 22:00:00 · answer #6 · answered by steelypen 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
tell them that you are very busy when you get bored with their rambling
2006-09-15 21:23:14 · answer #7 · answered by tiffani_magic_13 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If they don't get the message, you're free to leave the area
2006-09-15 21:53:51 · answer #8 · answered by beez 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Kick them in the shin and while they are reeling in pain, say "I said quickly! Does brevity mean anything to you?".
2006-09-15 21:54:46 · answer #9 · answered by emmadropit 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
go to the snacko and get yourself a drink. they won't notice
2006-09-15 23:15:53 · answer #10 · answered by Stand-up Philosopher 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋