So, we have all been there, boss walking around the office trying to see if anybody is working less than him. Well, years ago I came across this list of ingredients for your office/cubicle lifestyle and survival, and just recently found the list in an old shoe box from about 4 moves ago. The George Costanza list of how to look busy while doing next to nothing.
For your pleasure, here is the list:
1. Never Walk Around Without A Document In Your Hands:
People with documents in their hands look like hardworking employees heading for important meetings. People with nothing in their hands look like they're heading for the cafeteria. People with a newspaper in their hand look like they're heading for the toilet. Above all, make sure you carry loads of stuff home with you at night, thus generating the false impression that you work longer hours than you do.
2. Use Computers To Look Busy:
Any time you use a computer, it looks like "work" to the casual observer. You can send and receive personal e-mail, chat and generally have a blast without doing anything remotely related to work. These aren't exactly the societal benefits that the proponents of the computer revolution would like to talk about, but they're not bad either. When you get caught by your boss - and you *will* get caught -- your best defense is to claim that you're teaching yourself to use new software, thus saving valuable training dollars.
3. Messy Desk:
Top management can get away with a clean desk. For the rest of us, it looks like we're not working hard enough. Build huge piles of documents around your workspace. To the observer, last year's work looks the same as today's work; it's the volume that counts. Pile them high and wide. If you know somebody is coming to your cubicle, bury the document you'll need halfway down in an existing stack and rummage for it when he/she arrives.
4. Voice Mail:
Never answer your phone if you have voice mail. People don't call you just because they want to give you something for nothing - they call because they want YOU to do work for THEM. That's no way to live. Screen all your calls through voice mail. If somebody leaves a voice mail message for you and it sounds like impending work, respond during lunch hour when you know they're not there - it looks like you're hardworking and conscientious even though you're being a devious weasel.
5. Looking Impatient and Annoyed:
According to George Costanza, one should also always try to look impatient and annoyed to give your bosses the impression that you are always busy.
6. Leave The Office Late:
Always leave the office late, especially when the boss is still around. You could read magazines and storybooks that you always wanted to read but have no time until late before leaving. Make sure you walk past the boss' room on your way out. Send important e-mails at unearthly hours (e.g. 9:36pm, 7:05am, etc.) and during public holidays.
7. Creative Sighing for Effect:
Sigh loudly when there are many people around, giving them the impression that you are under extreme pressure.
8. Stacking Strategy:
It is not enough to pile lots of documents on the table. Put lots of books on the floor etc. (thick computer manuals are the best)
9. Building Vocabulary:
Read up on some computer magazines and pick out all the jargon and new products. Use the phrases freely when in conversation with bosses. Remember: They don't have to understand what you say, but you sure sound impressive.
Well, there you have it. Study this list and hopefully you, too, can get maximum pay for minimum work. I've seen it happen with my own eyes. Hardest worker = Least pay. I have had the opportunity to see the computer guys play anything from Scrabble and Battleship online to Alien vs. Predator and Star Wars.
As of the end of this post I am currently listening to "The Winding Sheet" by Mark Lanegan from the album "The Winding Sheet" released on Sub Pop records in 1990. NPR Podcast.
