Don’t you know how to appear the most industrious worker in the office? Below, you will find the best ways of creating an image of a constantly busy man.
1. Always Have Some Documents with You
People with documents in their hands look like the most hard-working employees. People with nothing in their hands look like they’re going to a cafe or are just hanging about with idleness. In addition, be sure to take the documents with you for the night, thus creating the impression that you work longer hours than you really do.
2. Use Computer to Look Very Busy
When sitting at the computer, complain about the failure or inconvenient performance of the (new) software – it looks like “work” to any casual observer. At the same time you can do anything, not even related to work activities. If you get caught by the boss – and it will happen sooner or later – your best defense is to declare that you are getting to know the new software / manual, thus saving the money that could have been spent for your training.
3. Desktop Mess
Desktop order sometimes looks as if we are not working hard enough. Arrange huge piles of documents on your table. To an observer, your last year’s work will look just as your current work. The size of those piles is what really matters. Pile them outwards and upwards, and let them reach out in all directions. If you know somebody is coming, hide the document you’ll need in the middle of the pile, and make an effort to look for it only when the visitor comes.
4. Use Voice Mail at Work
Never answer your phone if you have voice mail. People do not call to give you something for nothing, they call to make YOU do work for THEM. Let all the phone calls go through your voice mail. If someone leaves a message for you and it sounds like impending work, respond to it during the lunch break, when you know that the other person is not there. It will help you appear a very responsible and conscientious person.
5. Try to Appear Nervous and Irritated
You should try to always look impatient and annoyed for the boss to have the impression that you are always busy.
6. Leave the Office Late
Always leave the office late, especially when the boss is still there. You can read magazines and books that you never find enough time to read at home. Make sure that your way to the exit will take you past the boss’ office. Send important messages after the work hours (at 9.35 pm or 7.05 am) and during public holidays.
7. Creative Sigh
Sigh loudly when there are many people around in order to give the impression that you are under terrible pressure. Yes, do it that way. Great job!
8. The Legendary Employee
It is not enough to pile a heap of documents on the table. Put even more books on the floor. The best ones are thick manuals, encyclopedias, and serious periodicals. It will help you build a legend of you as a professional, having encyclopedic knowledge and being aware of all the new products in your field.
9. Use Professional Jargon
Read some major magazines from your field and pick up a few smart ideas. Fell free to use them in a conversation with bosses. Remember that they should not necessarily be understood. Most importantly, they should sound impressive!
10. Second Blazer
If you work in a large office, always leave a spare blazer over a chair. This gives the impression that you’re around the place and are just away for a moment. Wear the second blazer when you go for a walk or solve your personal problems during working hours.
