How to handle annoying instant messages during working in the office (extension, employer)
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Last week, someone(?) sent me an instant chatting message through office's I.M. system, I don't know him but he asked "Are you xxxx(my name)?", so I answered "yes", then he asked me again "Your manager is xxxx(my manager's name)"?", so I was a little bit suspicious ( I have a security clearance, so I should be careful in using IM) and annoyed since he didn't introduce himself and he didn't identify himself, so I answered , "Yes ?" ( my intention was yes it is, why you are looking for me...), but he said "you answered yes and '?', so your answer confused me...."... things like that....
So, I asked him " Let me know who you are and why are you looking for xxxx(my name)?", then he said "Never mind, I will talk to xxxx(my manager)". Then he gone... still weird....
I have no idea who he is and why he is looking for me and my manager... a little bit worry some...
I think identifying himself first should be the proper manner.
But this is just one example,
During working hour, when you need to focus something or you don't want to be interrupted by IM, then what you do?
When someone wants to talk to you via IM, you always answer them?
If someone continue to bother you via IM, then what you do?
I know my sons company uses instant messaging because they trade globally and it's just easier for some things, but nobody uses it for chit chat. Then again, due to his work it's a rather strict environment.
I would either ignore them or tell people not to IM you unless it's for business and use the excuse that your manager is often standing next to you and can see what's happening. You can also tell them you're buried with work and will get back to them later - and never find time.
In the specific case where they're asking you questions, I would send the message saying, I'm afraid you'll have to call me for information. That way you can ask them which department they work in and why they're asking you these questions.
Pretty nervy not to identify themselves and then start asking questions!
I don't sign up for IM. I have never worked for a company that required it. Although a lot of my colleagues used it, I chose not to. I found it to be a complete waste of time and found to it to be incredibly intrusive. Email is bad enough.
I would think either your IS/IT department or HR department would have issued basic rules and etiquette for using your company's IM system. You might want to check and see if there is any such policy.
If there is not, perhaps you could respond to such messages with something very straight-forward like, "Thank you for your message. If you need to speak with me, please contact me at extension 235 or visit me at my office on the 3rd floor."
And I agree that the messenger should have identified himself or herself. Another option would be to respond to the initial message with something like, "Could you please identify yourself?"
You'd think that people with clearances have a better sense as to what to say and what not to say when receiving a random IM. Why identify yourself to some random IM? That makes no sense at all.
I would file a report about this incident, with the chat log if you have it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by christina0001
If there is not, perhaps you could respond to such messages with something very straight-forward like, "Thank you for your message. If you need to speak with me, please contact me at extension 235 or visit me at my office on the 3rd floor."
For clearance holders that's the absolute worst response. Now the social engineer not only knows who you are and who your boss is, but also what your extension and office location is. When your business is secrecy you don't ever volunteer any information.
Try as I might but shouldn't all internal messages of any employer be recorded? I would never assume that anything is private and as such it would make sense to assume it is being monitored.
We have IM through Microsoft... whenever I get a random IM or email, I can check who they are through the email system or our company's online Org Chart.
Sametime IM also provides their information if you click on the name - there's spots for title, work location, etc.
This whole thing is much ado about absolutely nothing.
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