A few weeks back we listed some Cell phone etiquette tips (that The Consumerist actually posted about, so thanks guys) and today we are going to hit another tool, the Instant Message.
Here are the basic rules that I try to suggest to people at work. No one is following them, but I remain optimistic that I will one day get to enjoy this tool as opposed to being irritated with 50% of the messages I receive.
- Do not respond to my instant message with "OK". If you don't respond, I assume it's OK because you are not responding with a series of complaints.
- Do not instant message me with any task or request that should be logged into a trouble ticket database. Whether you realize it or not (or care), I may be compensated based on the time it takes me to solve issues and the number of tickets I close. Further, can you imagine if all 2,000 employees sent me problems via instant message?
- Do not EVER instant message me asking what I am doing this weekend unless we are close personal friends. I am not a chit-chatter and for the most part, I don't want to hear about your family reunion.
- Do not send me any emoticons or smilies unless we are all getting off early or we are all getting raises. Random smiley abuse is pretty irritating to most people.
- Just because I am "online" doesn't mean I am sitting there waiting for your request. There is no need to IM me twice with same question in 3 minutes. I will get to it as soon as I can.
- If my icon is marked as "mobile" and you know the company doesn't pay for cell phone bills, don't IM me unless you are about to die. I activated that function because I care about the company, not so it can be abused with elementary questions.
- Don't hit me with a ton of chat room jargon. I can understand that LOL means 'laugh out loud' but that's about it.
- There is no reason to get colorful, just send a good old black and white, arial, 10-12pt message so I don't go blind trying to read your message. By the way, anything sent in ALL CAPS IS ABSOLUTELY IGNORED.
- Don't choose "Spanker" or "Slapmyass" as your screen name unless you are sure that you will never have to invite your boss to a conversation.
I know that many people try to be best friends with everyone at work. However, please understand that some of us are seriously busy trying to get things done.
