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How to Deal with the Microsoft Teams Vultures
The enemies are at the gate, and they want to jump on a call
Many times, when working and gaining momentum, I’m in a deep concentration mode; I got my music going. The room temperature is just right. I’m hydrated, fed, and feeling good. My task list is melting down like butter in a microwave, and then….it happens.
**A notification from Microsoft Teams pops up**
Hi Martin,
Immediately, my heart sinks. Because I know some BS is soon to follow.
May I call you?
My inside voice is screaming “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”
Ultimately, I capitulate and get on a call.
Then I realized that I needed a policy to deal with the enemies at the gate — the ones who will do anything to break your flow — the Teams vultures.
These are the people who jump in your IMs with something urgent. Nine times out of 10, it’s not urgent; they want you to drop everything and help them.
The vultures rarely email first. Which is the accepted protocol.
Email first, and if you don’t hear back from me within 24–48 hours, then IM. The people who follow the protocol are not vultures.
