RISMEDIA, Feb. 27, 2008-(MCT)-Q: One of my coworkers reads the documents on my desk. She also tries to look at my computer screen over my shoulder. How do I keep her from doing this?
A. Coworkers can invade your privacy only if you allow it. To stop the snooper, you must immediately thwart her annoying behavior. Do not try to be subtle.
When she attempts to examine your papers, simply turn them over or put them in a drawer. If she picks them up, hold out your hand and say, “I need those back, please.”
Always keep a fake document open on your computer. When the curious colleague starts to scrutinize your screen, obscure your work by clicking over to the “dummy.”
If she asks why you are being so secretive, smile and say “It just bothers me when people try to look over my work.” Then drop the subject.
Busybodies can be quite persistent. But if you continue to foil her efforts, eventually she’ll get the message.
© 2008, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
