Boss that Calls Without Notice

[Anonymous]

OP - 38.

[Anonymous]

Wait, now we have to give notice before we call someone?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes my boss calls me when she needs something. And I do the same to her. That’s called “doing a job.”

OP, are you under 35?

Samr. Im 42. My boss (CEO) calls and i call people that work for me. Not to badger then but to discuss something. I font call when they have a scheduled meeting or it ifs going to be more than a 15 min convo. But i need to discuss things sometimes. My direct reports call me too. Sometimes people dont answer as they have an unscheduled meeting or busy with something. Its not meant to be anxiety inducing and it would be worse if i emailed with "do you have 15 min for a phone call". Just depends on the culture you build.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wait, now we have to give notice before we call someone?

you don't "have to" but would be nice. people have zoom/team calls thru out the day. quick email to ask "hey you got a few min to chat" is not a bad idea

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah but I just don't answer. "Oh, sorry, I missed your call. Phone was on mute." response.

omfg. You are a bad employee. Your boss calls during business hours and you aren't on leave, you should pick up.

[Anonymous]

I think this is an extrovert vs. introvert issue tbh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Calling without notice is a thing?

I feel like this must be generational (I'm an older millennial FWIW). If it's during business hours, then yes, you can answer the phone without being notified that there's going to be a phone call. This is how business was done for decades and nobody died from anxiety.

I’m also an elder millennial (37) and remain flummoxed about how anxiety-inducing phone calls of any sort are viewed by some in our cohort.

It is very strange.

Sounds like you're an extrovert. Congrats - the workplace is made for you.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry, in a professional setting some people expect to be notified before they get a phone call? And don’t give me the introvert crap because I’m as introverted as it comes and handling a phone call is completely fine and normal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think this is an extrovert vs. introvert issue tbh.

Um. No. If so, the ontrovert needs to get over it. If your boss calls you during business hours, you need to do your best to pick up. There is absolutely nothing wrong with just calling people. It's an efficient way to get things done and no, the boss should not have to send an email first.

OP, this is on you. Get over it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah but I just don't answer. "Oh, sorry, I missed your call. Phone was on mute." response.

omfg. You are a bad employee. Your boss calls during business hours and you aren't on leave, you should pick up.

LOL. But I do (when I feel like it).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think this is an extrovert vs. introvert issue tbh.

It’s not. I’m Gen X and much prefer text/email to calls, and that part - preference - could be linked to introvert/extrovert. But I also acknowledge that a call is the quickest way to solve an issue or communicate sensitive information much of the time. I usually text a “got time for a call” before I call, because I understand new social norms. But I answer every call that comes in if I am not in another meeting or otherwise too busy to talk. But if I had time to check Slack for messages, and write one in response, and spend any time being anxious about the upcoming call…I had time to just answer the darn phone.

[Anonymous]

In my early 20s & many years ago, I was fortunate enough to get my 1st job in data processing.
I had a role in a data center that operated 24/7. I would get calls sometimes in the middle of the night from users, shift supervisors, sometimes upper management, etc. to resolve issues or problems.
Guess what? I didn't complain and I always answered the phone.
I earned a reputation for being professional, reliable, and competent.
I received regular promotions and now have a very nice house with a pretty high personal net worth.

Hear that young new employees?
(sigh...probably not for many)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In my early 20s & many years ago, I was fortunate enough to get my 1st job in data processing.
I had a role in a data center that operated 24/7. I would get calls sometimes in the middle of the night from users, shift supervisors, sometimes upper management, etc. to resolve issues or problems.
Guess what? I didn't complain and I always answered the phone.
I earned a reputation for being professional, reliable, and competent.
I received regular promotions and now have a very nice house with a pretty high personal net worth.

Hear that young new employees?
(sigh...probably not for many)

Why didn't you just find another job?

[Anonymous]

Uh what? If it's during the work day, this is completely appropriate. You are supposed to be working!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my early 20s & many years ago, I was fortunate enough to get my 1st job in data processing.
I had a role in a data center that operated 24/7. I would get calls sometimes in the middle of the night from users, shift supervisors, sometimes upper management, etc. to resolve issues or problems.
Guess what? I didn't complain and I always answered the phone.
I earned a reputation for being professional, reliable, and competent.
I received regular promotions and now have a very nice house with a pretty high personal net worth.

Hear that young new employees?
(sigh...probably not for many)

Why didn't you just find another job?

I could explain it to you, but I won't be able to comprehend it for you