Wear Headphones – If your job is anything like mine, these are a Godsend. People walk up to me and notice that I’m wearing headphones and are immediately much less likely to ask me about something. Obviously, if it’s important, they’ll ask anyway. Actually listening to music is optional, but it can make this one more enjoyable.
Position Your Body ‘Intently’ – Body language has everything to do with people’s perception of your level of busyness. If I’m sitting back lazily in my chair, one hand on my mouse and the other fiddling with my iPod, I’m practically inviting the chick from A/R to bug me about something. When I’m really concentrating, I have a tendency to lean forward in my chair. You wouldn’t believe how much this helps. If your body says “I’m busy”, would-be productivity killers will pick up on it and might just leave you be.
Flat-out Ignore Them (at first) – This goes hand-in-hand with number 1. If somebody walks up to my desk and says “Oy, Brett!” (and I actually hear them), I’ll completely ignore them the first time. This is only marginally effective and probably isn’t something you’d want to use on the CEO or anything. If they persist, obviously you’re going to have to talk to them. However, this will weed out a good number of bored coworkers looking to chat about some sporting event or something. Read More »
