After a presentation this week a young manager approached me with a concern. “The problem,” she said, “is that I report to several individuals who are all in their fifties. I can’t seem to get out of their offices each time we meet without listening to a story of how things used to be. I respect their experience and insights, but I lose so much time as they reminisce. I also don’t want to hurt their feelings. What do you suggest?”Being 56, I remember complaining about this with the generation preceding me. Now I watch my age peers do the same thing along with being guilty of it myself on occasion. So young folks – Listen up! Here are three ideas that will help you maneuver through this mine field:
First, choose your encounters wisely. Rather than popping into someone’s office to ask a question or for some input, wait for them to walk past your work area. When they’re on their way someplace else, they will not generally have time to tell a story. If your workspace is not along the beaten path, plan to be in that area during times when you know they might be in motion.
Second, consider your timing. Most people are somewhat transparent in their habits. This means that they generally go to lunch, go home, and attend certain meetings in a predictable pattern. Arrange to be in their office “just a couple of minutes” before lunch, a meeting, or normal departure time. Sure, you run the risk of them saying, “Sit down! I have time to chat for a while.” But in these busy times, the chances of this happening are greatly diminished.
Second, consider your timing. Most people are somewhat transparent in their habits. This means that they generally go to lunch, go home, and attend certain meetings in a predictable pattern. Arrange to be in their office “just a couple of minutes” before lunch, a meeting, or normal departure time. Sure, you run the risk of them saying, “Sit down! I have time to chat for a while.” But in these busy times, the chances of this happening are greatly diminished.
Third, plan to meet with them just before another commitment you have.
This way you can legitimately say, “I just want to ask a quick question. I am on my way to another commitment.” This allows you to frame the time and excuse yourself after a few minutes. A variation of this is to book yourself into a short meeting just before you know they have another commitment. Of course, doing this too often may raise an eyebrow, so you have to be discreet. Remember too, that you also have to pay your dues and listen to a story every once in a while. Who knows? You might learn something.