I’m working with a client late in the afternoon when I hear a nearby telephone conversation.

“I’m really busy right now. What can I do for you?” The person said, quickly and with a hint of irritation.

After a short pause. “Ok, so why are you calling me with this?” The hint of irritation become a little more than a hint.

Another short pause. “Right. Ah huh. Yep.” All said faster and faster. Then a long sigh, followed by a long pause “I still don’t know how this is my problem.”

I have heard many times, and in fact in my past cultured, this attitude of irritation and indifference. As I’m sure you will know, if you happily do other peoples work, they will keep bringing you work to do. Acting as if you have more important problems to deal with (if it’s true or not) and becoming irritated with questions means you keep away trivial requests. This attitude is readily apparent from your local system administrator, though you can find it almost anywhere.

There is nothing inherently wrong with this behaviour. It gets specific and measurable results. These results may not always be what is really wanted, and sometimes might be detrimental.

After another short pause, his tone and attitude changes dramatically. “Yes. Ok. I’ll find out what needs to be done.” The phone was then hung up and a curse could be heard.

I ask my client what the problem is, and the answer; “He recently became a manager.”

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