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- Keeping A High Profile in the Open Plan Office
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- Never write a note or memo if you can phone or visit instead - everyone
- wants to talk whenever you're ready.
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- Don't sit down to talk - the accounstics are better the higher you are,
- and remember that most people are a bit deaf so SPEAK UP.
-
- Try to talk with _at least_ three people between you and your listener,
- so that they don't feel left out.
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- The very best place for a conversation is in the corridor, beside someone
- else's desk. If the corridor is full, try leaning against their cupboard
- or hanging over their screen.
-
- Never warn people of your approach by knocking on their desk or cupboard.
- People love surprises, especially if they're busy.
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- The best time to disturb someone is when they look thoughtful or are
- concentrating. It's your _duty_ to give them a break now and again.
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- To make sure that _you_ get regular breaks, never use a "Do No Disturb"
- sign. When other people use them they're only joking.
-
- Always hold meetings around a desk. If you book a conference room
- everyone will think you've got something to hide.
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- If the phone isn't answered after four rings, hang on. _Someone_ will
- answer it eventually, and they might like a chat, too.
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- Never divert calls if you're leaving your desk. Your telephone could
- get into bad habits.
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- Try to whistle, hum or tap your fingers while you work. It is a comfort
- to others to know that you're still there.
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- If you have to design the office layout, remember to leave lots of
- wide-open spaces so that we can see and hear each other right across
- the floor.
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- *** EOF
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