If call-waiting irks you, try one of these polite responses

By Rozanne R. Worrell

Workplace Woes | Roze Knows

DEAR ROZE: What’s your position with the call-waiting feature on phones? I take issue with individuals who call me and then either put me on hold or end the conversation because another call comes in that they “have to take.” They’re the ones who initiated the contact, but I’m the one who’s selling or trying to sell them my services. I think it’s offensive and rude. It’s as if they’re saying I’m not as important as the person who’s beeping in. It’s one thing if it’s just once in a while, but it happens a lot. By the way, I don’t have and will never have this feature on my phone. What should I do? – Where’s the etiquette?

ROZE SAYS: Although no one likes to be put on hold or told that another call needs to be taken over theirs, it happens all the time. Many people prefer to have this feature so they don’t miss what they consider an important call. Because you most likely need something from these individuals, I suggest that you do one of three things: Stay on the line, politely tell them to call you back when they are finished with the other caller, or offer to call back when it will be best for them. Hang in there!

Move to a nonprofit?

DEAR ROZE: I know it’s not a good time to leave my job, but I hate where I am. If I didn’t need the income and health insurance, I’d have given my notice a long time ago. I’ve been working in the private sector for more than 20 years, but I want to make a big change and do humanitarian work for a prominent foundation or nationally recognized nonprofit organization. I have to get paid and receive health benefits. I believe I can significantly contribute to their PR/marketing campaigns. Any suggestions? – Wanting different career

ROZE SAYS: Recognizing how difficult it is to find a job in this economy, I suggest that you stay with your current job and volunteer your services with a foundation or a cause you are passionate about. While volunteering, you can network and make connections that could lead to an offer of employment. You can also see if this is something you would like to do as a paid employee. If you decide to apply for jobs in this arena, do not lose sight of this: T he nonprofit job market is just as competitive as the private sector. Write your resume in such a way that illustrates how your experiences and successes can be applied to this field, and be sure each cover letter explicitly states what you can do for a particular organization . And, do not forget to identify any volunteer work you do or have done .

'A golden opportunity’

DEAR ROZE: I’m in top management of my organization and oftentimes our staff will share information with me that they don’t share with the other two top managers, even though the information may pertain to their interactions with these managers. I often end up knowing more and having a clearer picture of what is going on than if I only heard things from my constituents, but this makes me feel conflicted. Help! – Conflicted

Look at your situation as a golden opportunity. Use the information wisely. Let it help you in your dealings with your fellow managers as well as the staff without losing anyone’s trust and/or burning any bridges.

Rozanne R. Worrell is a workplace consultant and columnist. She is not an attorney, and her answers should not be considered legal advice. To find out more, go to www.rozeknows.com.

Have a question? Contact Rozanne R. Worrell at www.rozeknows.com or at Workplace Woes – Roze Knows, P.O. Box 99134, Norfolk, VA 23509-9134.