I work in an office with another group of people who rent in the office down the hall. They work for us, but are practically a seperate entity. The boss of the other group (we'll call him Joe) is an older man (60s) who doesn't seem to know boundaries. I sit diagonally from the president's office and I guess I'm what you'd call the last defense. Joe routinely blows right by me and just sticks his head into the office to see what Pres. is doing. He also walks into the VP office too, without knocking or pausing or anything. I have to routinely have to monitor him when he starts walking down the hall to the office. And I practically yell at him to stop because Pres. is in a meeting, on the phone, etc.
We've even put up a "Authorized Personnel Only" sign in the small lobby in front of the main desks to try to deter him (It was mainly used for our other reps. and wholesalers to prevent wandering). He just passes right by, he even laughed when we first put it up. My boss is completely aware.
2007-09-20 05:46:40 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Is there something I can say to him. I'm trying to be respectful because he is older than I am. But he disrupts business when he walks into this offices unannounced and unwelcome. I feel a bit helpless sometimes because when I do manage to stop him from entering he get angry at me.
What should I do?
2007-09-20 05:48:19 · update #1
To answer some of your questions. Yes, he is a wanderer. He always seems to just walk around with nothing to do. He can be quite nosy as well, that's why he sticks his head in their offices.
I've addressed this with my boss and he has confronted Joe about it, but "in one ear and out the other" apparently.
Thanks for all the great suggestions. Even the "Bugger Off!!" reply. Sometimes I actually feel like saying that.
I'll plan on addressing this with my boss either today or tomorrow, because it's a sunny day, Joe will probably make a visit.
2007-09-20 06:12:48 · update #2
Talk to him privately about how he disrupts work and tell him if he needs to see the VP or Pres or what-not then he can make an appointment. If he gets angry you are in the right so don't worry about it. He's not your boss and as long as you are professional you shouldn't get into trouble.
If he won't listen to reason you may want your pres or someone higher up to talk to him, he'll probably listen to them with more respect.
2007-09-20 05:56:42 · answer #1 · answered by aeseeke 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, you haven't said how your boss feels about this. Since "Joe" is the boss of the other group, perhaps you could discuss this issue with your boss. If the two have the type of working relationship where they feel comfortable with the situation, then you may need to be a little more tolerant. However, if your boss does not want any interruptions at all, then maybe he should talk to "Joe" himself as they seem to be in a compatible position within the building. If all else fails, get some blue painters tape, and make a waiting line on the floor, and a velvet rope....an airhorn may be necessary as well if "Joe" crosses the boundaries.
2007-09-20 05:57:26 · answer #2 · answered by TxsWitchWAB 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing that you can do except pull him to the side and tell him that part of your position in the office there is to be a Gatekeeper and interruptions or "visits" are to be by appointment only; the next time he walks by ask him if you can make him an appoimntment or would he like to leave a message for your boss because the office policy has recently changed and no one,not even God himself will be allowed past your desk w/out an appointment from now on...this way it doesn't look like the idea generated from you,rather it appears as though its part of a new office policy and that its not personal but your not doing your job if ANYONE makes it to his door w/out an appointment; Also give him a card that provides a contact number (and voicemail) and email address and hours of operation etc..or tell him to step the hell off and bounce....lol
2007-09-20 06:04:43 · answer #3 · answered by Amy L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does the Pres or VP ask you to stop his visits? If so, you'll have to do something, but otherwise ....
"Joe" has worked his style for ages and it works for him. Sounds like if he can't have a "buddy" trust relationship with the leaders he sees he is about equal to, you won't have his help in doing the things he does.
If you have to stop his un-announced visits, go to him with a box of donuts to talk over coffee.
Tell him it's your job he is threatening by not waiting for your boss to say, "Come in".
Assure him that you will make sure he'll get in unless something weird is happening, otherwise, there may be a few minute wait.
During those few minutes, he will chat with you (because he is a people person and like personal contact) so have a jar of jelly beans on your desk for visitors.
2007-09-20 06:04:35 · answer #4 · answered by wizebloke 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is in good character to respect your elders... but you are also in a professional working environment where age doesn't matter... seniority does, but if he is disrupting the business and everyone else around him then you don't have to be polite... don't be a jerk but be firm... and if your boss is aware then apparently it's not that big of a problem that he disrupts them or they would take the initiative and do something about it... The last time i checked that is what the "boss" is suppose to do... but then again i could be wrong...
2007-09-20 05:56:46 · answer #5 · answered by mel121704 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, apparently he isn't taking the hint with the sign so either you or your boss will need to talk with him and let him know that in order to avoid any interruptions of meetings or phone calls, the company policy or rules have changed and from now on he will need to check in with you first to see if the President or VP is available to meet with him.
2007-09-20 05:57:15 · answer #6 · answered by junebug 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say very sweetly.
Mr. Joe, you've got to stop this, you're killing me. If he's on the phone in there and you walk in, he gets mad at me and thinks I'm not doing my job. Can you pleeeeease just stop at my desk and let me buzz him so he doesn't get mad at me???? I know it's a pain but I'm just trying to do my job.
Oh, thank you, so much. I owe you a coffee sir.
Make it seem like he's doing you a favour and you REALLY appreciate it. I know it seems kind of like of a-s-s kissing but sometimes that's just how we ladies have to deal with older gentlemen. The don't always comprehend this equality thing. It's not entirely their fault, they're from a different generation.
2007-09-20 06:01:27 · answer #7 · answered by Nic 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He is coming down for a reason. Either they encourage him, he doesn;t have enoough to do or he's just plain nosy. If it's the first, well then it's in your boss(es) court. If it's the 2nd or 3rd, then he should be concerned for his own position.....(Your boss(es) would have to help you with that)
You can say that your boss has requested that he call on the intercom before he comes.
what a pain, good luck
2007-09-20 06:00:28 · answer #8 · answered by good gesser 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Security.
Set up the doors so you need a key card to get in.
DO NOT give him one. Since he is located in the office down the hall he does not have authorization to have a key card.
Talk to him.
Talk to his supervisor.
Talk to YOUR boss to talk to HIM about it. Your boss is enabling him by not talking to him and telling him how inappropriate his actions are.
2007-09-20 05:55:56 · answer #9 · answered by Terri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the other people also work for the same company, your boss, if he is bothered by this behavior, should take the appropriate action to stop this or to see the other "boss" dismissed from his job. Your boss should not be relying on you to be his "shield."
2007-09-20 05:59:21 · answer #10 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋