| Author |
Message |
    
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 2051
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 5, 2004 - 9:01 am: |     |
So, I'm on my weekly Friday a.m. conference call (See "I am in hell" thread). My agenda point is up next. But, the current agenda point is dragging on and on and on....
It could end in 10 seconds or it could go on another 15 minutes. Here's the dilema: I'm out of coffee! The machine is 30 feet away & I could be back in 3 minutes. But, I have to be here when it is my turn.
What do I do????  |
Nohero
Citizen
Username: Nohero
Post Number: 2983
Registered: 10-1999
| | Posted on Friday, March 5, 2004 - 9:05 am: | |
Ask a question which requires a detailed answer. Put the phone on mute and run. |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 255
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 5, 2004 - 9:08 am: | |
Tell them you have a bathroom emergency and you will be right back...... |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 801
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 5, 2004 - 9:09 am: | |
Stick your head out of the office and wave down some suck up. They'll always get coffee.
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shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 394
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 5, 2004 - 9:57 am: | |
If it's an informal culture, just be honest. Politely and humorously interject that you are running down the hall for coffee -- "so Ms./Mr. current speaker please keep talking for at least three more minutes." If it's a formal culture, do what Brett said. |
clkelley
Citizen
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 162
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 5, 2004 - 10:14 am: | |
Ha ha - same thing happened to me 5 min ago. I just said "gotta go get tea, back in a minute" - this is a VERY informal culture. Last year when this group met during a snowstorm (all of our univerities were cancelled), one of the conveners was at home making chicken soup during the call. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 2052
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 5, 2004 - 10:35 am: | |
Well - the Dutch yammered on so long that we took a break. I got to get coffee and go potty. I normally don't give a rats tucas, but it's a joint call with another company & I want them to think well of me!
Although, one of the guys from the other company announced that he had to call back, because he's working from home & had to talk to the contractor.
But, since I already piss off my superiors by stating my professional opinion without going thru the hierarchy (hey, don't ask me to call in if you don't want me to talk), I've decided announcements re: personal needs could be a bad idea.  |
wnb
Citizen
Username: Wnb
Post Number: 100
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 5, 2004 - 11:49 am: | |
We have sametime and there is usually someone on the call who I know will cover me. So I'll just samtime that person and tell them if it comes to me, tell them to hold on I'll be right back, or create some sort of diversion, or whatever.
Sametime or any kind of chat system is a GREAT way to handle the conf calls, especially if you're doing it with other people who are also on the call and who have equal levels of cynicism.
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sac
Citizen
Username: Sac
Post Number: 997
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 5, 2004 - 12:13 pm: | |
I always try to handle such meetings from home whenever possible. I take my cordless handset all over the house. I have snacked, pottied, done laundry and all kinds of other chores during conference calls. Much more productive than the in-office variety. |
mas
Citizen
Username: Maplemas
Post Number: 87
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 5, 2004 - 5:41 pm: | |
a cordless phone, perhaps???? |
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