Hi,

I find it hard to work with niose. A cooworker insists on engaging in debate for several hours a day on the latest hot political potatoes. I like the conversations and the person, but cant work if I am constantly distracted by this. I dont know how to say "shut up" blatently.

She is more senior than me so I dont want to kick up a fuss, but feel my job performance is being impeded severely. Granted maybe other people can cope with this, but I cant - I need to concentrate continuously when I work. I have tried the not paying much attention tactic but it is ignored and I cant concentrate on my own work whilst someone speaks to me. So any ideas on how to deal with this?

The person is a very nice person but I dont want to risk oofending them since they are more senior.

Cheers,

N

Have you tried discussing the issue with one of her superiors?

I don't think they'll be too pleased if she's talking all day instead of working...

Try clapping your hands over your ears when she speaks, and shout 'NO NO NO NO NO NO NO'. If that doesn't work nothing will! :D

In seriousness, just say 'I'm not being rude, but I really must get on'. If it was me, I'd just be embarrassed and clam up!

all you need is a spare sock... next time that big ol trap opens to start yapping jam it in and problem solved :clap:

tho i guess that might offend them a little :P

Originally posted by Craigy
all you need is a spare sock... next time that big ol trap opens to start yapping jam it in and problem solved :clap:

tho i guess that might offend them a little :P

If it's clean, I don't think they'll mind...too much!

Originally posted by Kristian
In seriousness, just say 'I'm not being rude, but I really must get on'. If it was me, I'd just be embarrassed and clam up!

That could be a problem...nightrider does not want to offend this person.

I think your first solution might work...

Get a bag of GobStoppers en route to work & offer them one everytime they start.

Should get the hint

:heyhey:

well when i get into situations where i dont want to be talking to the person (see the 'why do i attract weirdos on the bus' thread) i just pretend to be not be able to hear them propperly or dont understand what thay are saying propperly and just generally make conversation difficult... hopefull they will give up and let u work.

if not the NO NO NO NO sounds good to me

Do you work in quite a structured environment? If so, I wouldn't recomend going to someone more senior - it could make your position more difficult.

You really need to talk to this person. If you're unsure what to say, try writing something down first.

You are at work and have an obligation to your employer to do your best.

Perhaps saying something along the lines of "i'd really love to talk but I have something I need to concentrate on right now. Perhaps we can talk later?"

If the gentle approach doesn't work then you really are going to have to be more assertive.

shove a hot jacket potato in her big gob.

A few possible solutions:

Wear headphones.
Wear earphones.
Pretend to be French.
Cultivate a runny nose and sneeze every time she starts talking.
Have your work phone set up on speed dial on your mobile and every time she starts ring your self up.
Faint.
Discover the joys of cystitis and or diahorrea and keep a loo roll on your desk and run to the toilet whenever she hoves into view.