We've got an awful lot of talent on this forum, we should "pool" or collective knowledge together, and share our tips on how to look busy at work to keep the boss off your back.

I'll start it off with a few tips I've learned over the years.

How to screw the pooch (by Habibi)

* The Clip Board Trick * After many years working for the government, this is one of the best tactics known to 'learned employees everywhere.
Here's what ya do:

Get yourself a clipboard, preferably get one from your place of employment (this way it costs you nothing) If need be, go to a dollar store or something and pick up a cheap one.
Insert a few "work related" papers into the clipboard, and you are now free to walk around all afternoon without scrutiny.
You see kids, once people see you with a clipboard, they say to themselves "Look at that dude, I wish I had his dedication"
The clipboard conjures up a mental image of a hard-working, dedicated employee who gets the job done. Whether you are, well, that's a different story, all that matters is you project the right image.

Now with clipboard in hand, you are free as a bird to walk around, visiting all your friends, and drinking coffee.
Now, the key is (and listen carefully) every once in a while, actually look at your clipboard, and flip through pages, this is more effective with a pen in your hand.
Don't forget that last tip, otherwise it will all be in vain.

Stay tuned for part 2 at a later date where the discussion will focus on "How to use a briefcase effectively"

 

1) NEVER GO TO MEETINGS- If you have to go, arrange to be called out, paged out, etc.

2) WALK FAST EVERYWHERE YOU GO-Muttering and carring stuff helps too.

3) MAKE YOUR SPACE A MESS-The more stuff on your desk the busier you look.

4) DO NOT ANSWER YOUR PHONE- Ever. Reply via voicemail messages sent using the timed delivery feature, set times for early morning, late night, weekends, holidays.

5) USE EMAIL RULES-Set up a Rule that auto-replies to the sender that you are too busy to read their message.

6) EAT LUNCH AT YOUR DESK-"Sorry, didn't have time to go out.."

7) CARRY A BRIEFCASE/BAG- Make it appear that you take work home with you.

8) GET ON COMMITTIES-"Sorry, I'm working on the United Way fund drive, can't do your report now." Who can say no to charity work?

I got a million of 'em

 

How to get the boss off your back

My way seems to work the best........just quit

 

LOL flafonman, I think we've worked together before.
You covered some excellent points which brings me to one I forgot (but also very important)

Suppose your boss calls you in and gives you a list of 10 things to do.
Now suppose your boss says "you've got 3 weeks to get it done"
Now, if you KNOW you can finish it all in 3 days, for God's sakes, DO NOT COMPLETE IT AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.

Go ahead and finish it in the 10 days you were given, if you want to brown nose a bit, well, finish it a day early, but nothing more.
Don't make life harder on yourself, and more importantly, harder on your fellow employees

Why you ask?
Good question. Now, the 10 days is up, and you report to your boss that all your tasks have been completed on time.
Now watch his reaction closely, if you see how delighted he is, you can rest assured knowing he will empower you again in the future to "get the job done"

What does this mean for you?
It means you can continue being a slacker, and have lots of free time at work.

 

all of this effort just so you can spend time at F150Online while at work...

 

Yup!!!!


Also, stickies work great! Write down little notes for yourself and post them all around your monitor. It makes it seem as if you have your stuff together for quick reminders, etc etc = smart worker.

And don't forget to open a few programs. It may make your PC lag for web surfing, but the more programs open means the more options you have to quickly click to if anyone walks in.

 

heh you guys are priceless................

 

My fave move was actually put in place by my boss. When we moved into these offices he wanted to make sure that my monitor was facing AWAY from my door to insure that noone could look over my shoulder at financial information without me knowing. Sooo, I always know when someone is coming into my office & as was stated before I always have at least 4 things open on my screen for quick mswitching. My only problem is that I'll click too quickly & put something on top that doesn't cover the whole screen.

BTW, I do just about everything else that has been mentioned. I almost always turn projects in the day before their due. The boss eats that up.

 

I learned the clipboard one in the Navy, still works very well today. However I like Fast Gator’s the best…

 

makes sense to be here during the day.

why would I use DSL at home when I have T1 at the office?

 

when i am on down time at the zoo or dorney park, i just try to keep my eyes open, and i look busy enough!!

 

Wow, I can almost see the "work ethic" oozing out of my monitor.

 

for those of us confined to a desk... it is imperitive that you back is to the wall... never have your back to the door.

My monitor is 180 deg from the door... anyone wants to see what Im doing has to walk into the office, over to my desk and then peer around... by which time every bad window is closed and constructive ones magically appear.

 

I agree, I have a program running and standing by to appear within a keystroke...

 

Make sure you have the latest "pop-up" killer installed too.
Nothing worse than trying to close 5 windows in 3 seconds, and those pesky popups keep coming back.