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I can see this because I'm living it now. We have to research client issues, provide solutions, provide estimates of work effort, create test plans, requirements documents, and spend a LOT of time on the phone on conference calls, sometimes early in the morning with time zone differences.
At any given time, I may be looking at my monitor thinking, scribbling thoughts or notes on paper, reading documentation, or speaking on the phone. When I'm talking to my co-workers in the office, its talking about a complex problem in order to get a fresh opinion. Walking by, you may not think I'm doing anything unless you're in the know. In our group, we really are at our busiest when it looks like we aren't doing much.
Just recently a group assigned to a high profile, tight deadline project all worked from home so they wouldn't be distracted at the office.
I can see this because I'm living it now. We have to research client issues, provide solutions, provide estimates of work effort, create test plans, requirements documents, and spend a LOT of time on the phone on conference calls, sometimes early in the morning with time zone differences.
At any given time, I may be looking at my monitor thinking, scribbling thoughts or notes on paper, reading documentation, or speaking on the phone. When I'm talking to my co-workers in the office, its talking about a complex problem in order to get a fresh opinion. Walking by, you may not think I'm doing anything unless you're in the know. In our group, we really are at our busiest when it looks like we aren't doing much.
Just recently a group assigned to a high profile, tight deadline project all worked from home so they wouldn't be distracted at the office.
Yes, it never occurs to some people that when co-workers are standing in the hall talking, they might be talking about work. (Especially when the workers are two or more women, which is another story but quite similar.) That's the primary reason a lot of companies don't want everyone working from home. Many a great idea has been developed, or problem solved, by co-workers just standing around talking extemporaneously about their situations.
I remember being in an editorial meeting once where one of my co-workers was complaining about someone in the graphic design department. "Every time I go in there he's talking on the phone." The boss replied, "Maybe he's on the phone with vendors. He's responsible for a lot of work that's outsourced." The guy insisted, "Oh, no, it's always personal." To which the boss responded, "So why do YOU have time to stand at his desk every day listening to his phone conversations? Don't I give you enough to do?"
You better believe that was the last time he ever complained to her about someone slacking off.
I'm sure there are plenty of goof-offs in offices from coast-to-coast. But sooner or later it's bound to become apparently if an employee's productivity is not normal.
Many years ago, one of my fellow employees had a daily Far Side calendar on his desk. I would wander over when I had a chance and take a quick look at it. One day I stuck my nose into the calendar, only to realize he was balancing his check book. I did not look at his checkbook, of course, and was embarrassed. After this happened a second time, I determined to pay attention to what he was doing before looking at the calendar.
My father died, and my mother is demented, so I handle her finances as well as mine. My coworker was spending more time balancing his checkbook on company time than I spend balancing my checkbook, my mother's checkbook, paying my bills, and paying my mother's bills combined. All of which I do on my own time, by the way.
After he retired, his replacement was immediately given additional job responsibilities.
"I'm completely swamped with work for the rest of the month"
but they come in late, spend most of their time in meetings or socializing with other coworkers, then leave early.
This is who I want to emulate
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