How to deal with an overly-friendly colleague who loves to chit-chat.
How do I deal with a coworker who keeps coming to my desk to chit chat? My boss gets annoyed with both of us, but I'm not doing any of the talking! I don't even want to listen to her!
Here are a few tactics:
Delay: Suggest going to lunch later to finish the conversation. This is only a recommendation if you're prepared to eventually hear about Fluffy's hairballs.
Divert: "I'm in the middle of something, but I really want to hear this. Why don't you send this story in an e-mail?" She'll be quiet while she types, and then you can simply delete.
Ignore: Use earphones if necessary, even if there is no music. Bop your head like you're listening to a rockin' tune, and she'll get the hint.
Recruit Help: Send an e-mail to a friend down the hall with less on her plate. Ask if she can entertain the chatterbox for awhile. But remember, you'll owe her.
Leave: Stand up and escort her out of your workspace, claiming a need for coffee. Chat with her in the break room for a few moments. Then, interrupt yourself (not her) and say you have to get back to work, leaving her there.
Assign: "Since you seem to have a little free time right now, could you shoot off a dozen color copies of this document? Thanks so much." She'll start to avoid your cubicle if you make her your errand girl each time.
Or, just tell her to shut it. Some people don’t respond to subtlety.
